Star Wars: Going Home to Stay
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2020
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For years you've asked Michael to talk about the original Star Wars movie. Now, he finally has something he wants to say.
#RetroBlasting #StarWars #4K77 
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Also, the Final Cut of Blade Runner still includes the original theatrical cut with all of its errors and mistakes. Lucas could've chosen to still make the originals available while continuing to enhance and fix things in newer versions.
my dvd copy actually has a scratch on the disc with the theatrical cut, So I have to watch one of the other endings. Stupid me-from-the-past not treating his discs properly.
It's a dick move for sure. If's his film so he can do what he wants. But taking away the cinematic cut is just silly.
Well on the positive side, future directors will learn from Lucas's mistakes when handling their stories.
This. This has always been my primary problem with the special editions. I don’t care that they exist. I care that they’re the only version allowed to exist.
Now, I own the 2006 DVDs with the laserdisc(I think.) transfers. And I’m not the biggest stickler for visual and audio quality. So I’m content with this. But the thought of not being able to share that experience with the next generation really bums me out.
I actually just finished a run of the original trilogy, showing it to some of my younger siblings who hadn’t seen it yet. They loved it and I haven’t been that content with Star Wars in almost 5 years.
All that said, I’m very interested in seeing this version of the movie someday. Since I was born in 96 and grew up with the final VHS releases as my main go to for many years. (And the heyday of Star Wars is yet another reason I’m jealous of 80s kids. Y’all got a way to transplant memories?)
@@shaggyturtlestudios "Y’all got a way to transplant memories?"
That one's on your generation to make! 🤘🤣💖
The internet, and all of its wonders (and horrors), and the pocket sized robot "Library of Alexandria" called an iPhone, social media, that was 80s kids' contribution to human interface. (All that, for good and bad... probably the reason for GenX actually making legal weed happen as well!)
Every generation has it's things that we did great, and that we screwed up royally. It'll take another 20 years or so before everybody can say, "This is what GenX screwed up." We're not quite there yet! 🤣
I'm fortunate to have been born in '72, and actually got taken to the theater for Star Wars, but, you better believe that everyday at 4pm, I was in front of that TV for Daisy Duke, um, i mean, The Dukes of Hazzard!
I got taken to see Star Wars probably a dozen times or so when it was in the theater originally!!
My parents were getting ready to move and had the house on the market and were showing it.
Consequently when we had to get out and go do something when people were coming to walk the house, for us it was back to the movie theater to go see Star Wars again!😊
You and mr both
I had the Dukes of Hazzard big wheel with the handbrake.
Yep me too. I was nine when Star Wars came out. I remember the lines to get in. The insanity of the action figures. While I did LOVE IT. It didn't make me a entirely different person. It just made me want more toys. I wish it would have made me a special effects nut. Nope just a dumbass with a lot of toys. I say dumbass because I wasn't able to hold on to them and I had some rare ones too. Oh well, comic books, Hot Wheels, action figures, WHO KNEW?
Oh and I still NEVER missed the Dukes of Hazzard. Even CHiP's and then other shows.
Ironically, George Lucas spoke out against digitally altering films before Congress in 1988, when studios started colorizing their old black and white movies.
I think there's a key difference there. Changing the works of a dead artist for profit is gross. If the artist himself redraw his own painting it's different.
"A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing."
You said it brother...
@odeerg And yet... I feel, and this is a personal feeling but I feel there's a difference between 'can' and 'should'. After all, the films they are colourising now belong to the studio. So they can argue that it is theirs to do as they like with. Sometimes a thing like Star Wars transcends the rights of the creator/owner. And I think any artist worth their salt would take that as a huge honour and respect it. In creating the special editions and suppressing the originals, Lucas has robbed many of a treasured memory and experience. Strictly speaking he has the right to do it, but in my book he was still wrong to do it.
@odeerg But are they his own films? He only directed one of them. So going back and changing Empire and Return puts him in the same position that he criticized against because he wasn't the artist on those movies, he was the studio.
@@elijahblechman8633 Lucas barely had anything to do with the making of Empire Strikes Back. He even said to Irvin Kershner that it was his movie. But then he altered ESB with the so-called "Special Edition".
i NEVER have to be reminded Jabba wasn't in the og version lol
Wow, you guys are fans of Retroblasting (Mikey) too, damn! And you guys show up everywhere's as well.
Lucas has broken these poor people's brains! T__T
But yeah, I never have to be reminded of that either lol.
Same here.
Me neither, Tom.
The Special Editions are superior. DEAL WITH IT!
Who else got upset when in Stranger Things, that "Video Store Expert" back in 1985-6 asked the "5 Favorite movies" question and he called it "A New Hope". I got into an argument on Facebook with kids that weren't even born in the 80s when I said "No one in the 80s ever called it 'A New Hope', it was just Star Wars." "Well technically" They said, the title existed in the mid 80s with the re release." and blah blah. Everyone is an expert on what us 80s kids did in the 80s, when they didn't even live in the era.
ooof!
Like when you get into fights with people who say "well, technically, it's still LEGO, even if you never called them that..."
Yeah, I don't know ANY 80s kids that didn't refer to them as "my Legos..." DON'T TELL ME HOW I LIVED MY CHILDHOOD!
We used to say Årtusendefalken, but Swedish kids these days use the English name. And Batman was caller Läderlappen (The leather patch).
I quit watching Stranger Things in the 1st season because they didn't use a vintage Falcon in one scene and they played the Bangles' cover of "Hazy Shade of Winter" like it was 1987 instead of what the show's timeframe was (early 80s) LOL
Lol. I remember the out of era songs that kind of took me out of the moment as well. Plus, Stranger Things season 2 started with the kids dressed as Ghostbusters for Halloween. I’m 48. NO KID was dressed as a Ghostbuster back then. It’s a minor point, but took me right out of the moment
It is refreshing to see the original cut of the film being given the restorative and conservative efforts it is being given by the fans, showing us that the people who care about it are in this case the best shepherds for it.
Agreed!
Well said!
See, the whole Ep.IV: New Hope thing always bugged me; to me it was just the original Star Wars!
You must utterly love the Despecialized Edition of Star Wars i see? 😀
Trey Stephens Yea, my original VHS tapes are packed away, I’ll never get rid of them.
I’m so glad there are fans that love the trilogy the way it belongs. Original and intact. I want that going home again experience. It sounds incredible.
me too!
Buy the 4k77 blu rays off eBay. Dew it!
Being born in 67, I can say Star Wars was quite an experience to see on the big screen in 77. Michael, I think your point is why everybody wants a copy of what we saw in 77.
10 was the perfect age to first see this movie.
@Digging at Tycho I apologise if I am asking a silly question that can't be answered, but when you saw Star Wars in the theaters, when Luke was being chased by a Tie Fighter during the Death Star battle, do you remember Luke saying "Blast it Biggs where are you" or "Blast it Wedge where are you"?
@Projekt:Kobra I could be wrong but I think Wedge may have been another one of Luke's friends on Tatooine in one of the deleted scenes. The reason why I bring up the Biggs or Wedge debate is because when the film came out, it was the film that turned Dolby Stereo into a massive deal, it was the first time where regular theaters upgraded to Stereo specifically for the release of Star Wars. Seemingly the majority of regular 35MM theaters and all of the more deluxe 70MM theaters had Luke saying "Blast it Biggs", but there was a Mono Mix that George Lucas intended to be the final and definitive mix, because he never thought that the film was gonna be a big deal or that Stereo was gonna become that big of a thing since nearly all theaters still used Mono. The Mono Mix which was most likely played in theaters in the middle of nowhere and in all the drive ins, has the line "Blast it Wedge, where are you", and with other changes like Aunt Beru's voice, Porkins' death scream being drowned out, announcer voices being changed and among others.
@@Pete-eb3vo He did say Biggs. I was a fan of the radio show, which went deeper into the story(I don't know if it's considered cannon). But it did introduce Biggs, Star Wars was re-released about a year before Empire, unmolested. I paid close attention to when Biggs showed up, other than Luke complaining to his uncle. Biggs just seem to come out of nowhere. When Luke said, "Blast it Biggs where are you". I was wondering why wedge then showed up.
@Projekt:Kobra I don't think Wedge was from Tatooine, At least he wasn't in the old days, he was that lucky guy who survived.
I've sat there many times and pointed to my kids that "This scene wasn't in the original version" and so forth, but I sit here and facepalm as I forgot that the beginning of the movie didn't say "Episode IV: A New Hope" in the screen crawl. Thank you Michael for helping me remember.
I was 10 in '77, and this video _really hit home._ Well done. And thank you so much for introducing me to the 4K77. I currently have the Despecialized versions, but this sounds more like what I was hoping for. Heck, I even miss watching my Super 8 film clips that my parents got me at Woolco. We didn't have a sound projector, so I have the silent/black and white version. And when I played it at home as a kid, I never once felt I was missing out. I still have it.
I remember in the original, Ben's lightsaber looked almost white, because they didn't color it in properly.
Luke's was white.
Joel Hassig There’s a shot in the original version where they didn’t add the effect at all to Ben’s. It’s just the white stick.
@@starshotdirector7605 In the fight with Vader yes? I swear that's the shot I remember
Briansgate yes and Vader’s lightsaber also turns white
@@starshotdirector7605 It's Vader's lightsaber that they didn't colour for one shot. After Ben dies, Luke shoots the door control and as the door closes, Vader's lightsaber is white.
I had the same experience when I finally bought Harmy's Despecialized Trilogy. It was like watching it for the first time again. I didn't know how badly I needed that perfect little '77-'83 time-capsule in my life, but when I finally got it, I knew I would never watch the Special Editions ever again.
Is the Harmy version the same as 4K77? I absolutely love the Harmy edition.
@@caparker182 No, it's a different restoration process by a different group. I've only seen Harmy's version, but I want to check out the 4K77.
I own Harmys. Maybe my only complaint is the seemingly oversaturated Tatooine segment in the first movie. I can't remember whether or not the original movie looked quite like that or not. Other than that the cut is fantastic.
"Star Wars is on the shelf with...The lullaby your mother would sing you to sleep with..."
I don't crack easily Michael, but that line brought actual tears to my eyes.
All I can say is thank you. Thank you for making this video. Thank you for finding the words I never knew how to say. God bless you man.
Yeah, this whole endless tinkering has bothered me for 23 years. I liked Star Wars the way it was originally made, warts and all. To me the minor issues never once took away from the great story that unfolded on the screen. Thanks for putting it into concise words.
If there was ever one shot we ever have to convince George to change his mind and allow the release of Star Wars '77, this would be the message I want him to watch. Your argument "for" is 100% accurate. Personally speaking, you've also articulated everything I've ever thought and felt regarding my relationship with Star Wars in a concise 15 minutes. George and Disney need to get onboard. Well done and thanks. 😃👍
I was 8 years old when I saw Star Wars in 77. I remember everyone standing up and cheering when the Death Star blew up and at the end of the movie.. My family was one of those cheering! Also I remember being jealous of the mob of people who ran out at the end to buy tickets for the next showing to watch it again. I really think kids not born in that generation dont fully comprehend the impact that Star Wars had. I walked out of the theater changed forever.
I grew up in the prequel era but thankfully I was reared on the original VHS'. I've seen the original more than I have the special editions lol. We exist!
I've been saying this for years now. When you watch the original editions you don't notice anything out of place. It is all very familiar, and perfectly normal. It's the special editions that have moments which take you out of the film because they are not from that era. Bad CGI, Hayden Christensen in a trilogy that he has no reason to be in.
And NOOOOOOOO! in ROTJ.
And no Greedo shooting first in the original.
Edward Miessner Greedo didn’t shoot first. Han didn’t shoot first either.
Han was the ONLY one to shoot.
The original theatrical version hasn’t been available since 1977.
@@Tedinator01 or the 4k77...
This is the best Star Wars editorial video on RUclips. It really is. Well done Michael.
Born in '74, here. "Star Wars" was the first film I saw, when I was 3 or 4 years old - and the first image from a film I clearly remember is Vader coming through those doors. As such, my imagination was literally born into "Star Wars". It courses through my DNA like force lightning. While I had toys before that that I remember (the Fisher Price garage, Light Brite, Evel Knievel, Stretch Armstrong, etc), it was getting a 12" Han Solo and a 3.75" Chewbacca that blew my mind apart. I've never stopped collecting "Star Wars" since and still own almost my entire childhood collection (sans my first Chewbacca, who rests in peace somewhere in the sands of a Fort Lauderdale beach). As for the films, while I do own the fan-restored, De-Specialized versions in great quality, when I want to watch the trilogy, I always go for the original CBS/FOX VHS copies. Sure, the first has the "Episode IV: A New Hope" text, but the films, at least, are pure - and there's just something about watching them on VHS that gives me that feeling again, every time. But that 4K77 version looks astonishing.
I was born in '73, and my first memory (since I couldn't read the scrolling words) was the bass coming through the theater speakers and the rebel ship flying over my right shoulder chased by the Star Destroyer. I find myself sounding like and old man when I'm trying to explain to my wife and kids (misty-eyed of course) how what Lucas created didn't exist before, so our minds were totally blown by what we were seeing on the screen. It's hard for them to grasp with the CGI that has been around for their entire lives!!
The original Star Wars is even more important now!
I was also born in '78 and I must have been around 5 as well when I first saw Star Wars. We gathered in my uncle's living room to watch it as we didn't have a VCR back then.
I can still see him kneeling by the TV. Just as he was about to pop the tape in, he had to calm down my cousin and I as we were so excited.
The trash compactor scene when Luke goes under water freaked me out as my vivid imagination made the creature way more terrifying than it actually was. :)
The original effects are so outdated... But that was what amazes me. I can still watch the original movies and be sucked in, belief still fully suspended because, especially for that time period, the practical effects were phenomenal. I find the 'special edition' effects appear more outdated than the original.
Return of The Jedi and Empire still look kinda good. As for A New Hope?
Meh in some places (lightsabers) and the Death Star.
I think that Blade Runner from 1982 is that movie of the decade that stands the test of time in special effects, 2001 A Space Odyssey from 1968 also aged better than A New Hope.
I was watching 4k83 today, and I found myself saying "man this movie is really 1983, and for its time, these special effects are damn awesome!" I feel the same way about Blade Runner. The Battle of Endor in space is so damn impressive for 83, considering many movies of that time like Flash Gordon just look horrible.
@@saricubra2867 What is your problem with the light sabers in the first Star Wars? Effects are still awesome. Effects are different today but the movie industry suck.
Yet some of them look better than the CGI attempts in many modern movies now, especially when movie makers try to create living creatures or humans.
I think its because we've seen those movies so many times that its ingrained in our memory to the point it doesn't matter. They aren't movies, they're real events that happened in our minds, and outdated special effects won't really ever break that illusion. Trying to update and change it will, because that's literally trying to change our memory of the events.
Thank you. This is precisely where my love of Star Wars resides. It's like the rumpled white sheet I used to fly my snow speeder over, or the worn army blanket that was the sand under the landspeeder. Home is the right word.
Damn Michael, you almost made me cry there...
Yep
Me too...
(Completely unrelated, but nice Michael Knight profile picture!)
The imperfections of the original Star wars made it perfect! It creates the nostalgia we search for
This has to be one of the most important videos about STAR WARS on RUclips. I am not even exaggerating when I say this.
Beautifully and succinctly put.
Beautiful video! Thank you!! I still bite my tongue whenever someone calls “Star Wars” “A New Hope”
Lol
I think I have watched this video at least 3-4 times now. It is such great reminder of what I loved so much as a kid and how much it has changed for the worst. This video was the catalyst that got me to track down Blu Ray editions of Project 4K77 & 4K83 as well as the Harmy De-Specialized Editions. And the feeling of going back in time with those films is magic. I know I have become the bitter old man that spends far too much time reminiscing about the "good old days" but it is nice to see that I am not the only one that puts so much stock in leaving things the way they were and stop "improving" them by adding to or remaking them. This is by far my favorite of your videos and I just wanted to say again, thank you to you Michael and the rest of the Retroblasting team for this great reminder of my childhood, which to me were indeed, the good old days.
My favorite images are from the Story of Star Wars "talking record" book , the Topps trading cards, any of the contemporary kids books released at that time- grainy and imperfect. I feel the same about the movies.
Perfectly said, Retroblasting.
*The Story of Star Wars* record book was *the best!* I played that thing over and over and over again. Eventually Star Wars wasn't in the theaters anymore, and that's all we had. But we sure got to memorize a lot of the lines as a result of that record. And as a kid I remember being surprised and thrilled that they left in Han's line, _"What the hell are you doing?!"_ 😱😳😁
This was a fantastic video.
@@CaesiusX yessir! It was my "VCR" and the only way to revisit the movie for a few years. I used to have it playing in the background while I played with the awesome new Kenner figs. It doesn't get much fanfare these days which is a shame.
A wonderful and sincere video. Thank you for posting. Also semirelated I had the standalone book of the bald lion you paged through. An unexpected retro touch for me. Thanks again.
Rarely do I ever comment on a RUclips video, but I have to make an exception for this. THANK YOU! Thank you for articulating something I've felt for so long but have been unable to express. I was born in 72 and saw Star Wars at the drive in probably in 78 but I knew about it from the time it came out and swept the nation. I saw it with my dad and saw it with my mom separately. They were divorced by then and have since both passed away, but the memories of those viewings have stayed with me for my whole life as they were that impactful and important to me.
I get emotional every time I hear John Williams' perfect score for the film no matter the context.
People will ask when discussing favorite movies and I don't mention Star Wars as my favorite and they'll say 'I thought you like Star Wars'. I'll have to try and explain that Star Wars is deeper than just a movie to me it's part of who I am so I can't even find a way to quantify it and compare it against other movies. It's just DNA to me at this point.
Now after having seen your video I can just send people a link and say "If you want to understand how I feel about Star Wars just watch this."
So thank you again and May the Force be with you!
Watching Star Wars is like remembering playing with your favorite toy as a kid. For me it was an Ernie pencil topper with a cloth cape and a broken wheel and axle for a sword. He was my "hero" toy. When I see this film I instantly remember all the fun times I had with that toy.
It's nice to see a video like this. As a 15 year old, I queued up with people for hours in 1978 (I live in England) to watch a movie that I only refer to as 'Star Wars'. I think I saw it at least eight times in it's first run. Once was never enough. I watched my copy of it from the early 1990's 'Star Destroyer Black Box' VHS set, last summer, after finding it whilst cleaning up the loft. It was a surprise. Memory, they say, plays tricks, but this - this was as good as I remember it. Of course, you know every word, every action, but it feels astonishingly fresh. There's a sense of space - unlike the 'fiddled with' versions, where the feeling is: 'Here's the boundaries of the frame. Just how much stuff can we cram into it?', or: 'Nothing to see here - let's put a comedic robot in to frame'. Can you see the occasional matte line or compositing shadow? Yes. Does it matter? No. This was film making as far as it could go in 1976/7, and John Dykstra and his team often strayed into areas where no SFX guys had ever been. And on the big screen, it blew our tiny minds. When I first saw it, as the Star Destroyer crawled over our heads, the speakers in the cinema emitting a bowel-loosening bass rumble, the audience were shocked into awed silence. Apart from one guy, who shouted out, very loudly:
"Fucking Hell!"
A perfect summation of what all of us sitting, gripped, in the dark were thinking. Perfect.
And Thank You.
This channel consistently echoes my thoughts and memories of growing up in the 80s (born in 76). Always well executed with passion and precision. Keep up the good work.
George Lucas, as much as I respect him as a writer and visionary, is a cautionary tale on how being a perfectionist can be harmful. What we perceive as flaws in our own creative works can be considered as charm to everyone else.
Except that most of everything that he did were the opposite of improvements. He flat out ruined important character moments, and throwed in CG effects that have become far more dated than the groundbreaking original effects.
Perfectionist Lucas was/is not. He is kind of ocd about certain things, but one read of a a Lucas script shows you how little of a perfectionist he can be
@@AP-hv9ll His later scripts are pretty good. American Graffiti onwards I'd say
Another very well researched and intriguing video from my friends at RetroBlasting. I completely agree and Michael put it best when he compared Star Wars to your grandmother’s soup, roasting marshmallows, etc. It was a way of life for so many people and just listening to Michael reminisce about how things used to be truly made me feel as though I was “home again.” Thank you for bringing happiness and joy into my heart by creating and posting this video. I mean it.
Best take on Star Wars, and a “bah, macklunkey!” to those who disagree!
I was 7 in 1977. This rings so true. Hell, the clips from old VHS just gives me the feels. Imperfections are beautiful. '77-'83. It's where my heart lies. '77 and '80? perfect two punch combo.
Absolutely beautiful sentiment...you actually made me tear up a little. Star Wars isn't "just a movie." Thanks for explaining my exact same feelings about the original theatrical cuts so eloquently. I really wish Mr. Lucas could see this.
Michael, this was the most on-point video I've ever watched. I saw the original Star Wars in the movie theaters when it came out in 1977 and I was 13 years old. Even though you were not around at that time, you have completely captured everything I feel about how badly this movie and the rest of the original trilogy have been handled. Although I have a version of the original trilogy in my collection (which were included with the special editions), your videos have taught me that even these versions are not exactly like the originals (at least Han shoots first). You've also alerted me to the availability of despecialized editions and I'm now going to begin looking for them to purchase. Thank you for giving voice to the many of us who grew up with Star Wars (no bloody "New Hope") and who passionately feel the same way as you about the original movie.
I was born in 83. So I missed the original run, but I was 5 when I first saw Star Wars on home VHS in 1988. Unmolested and in its original condition. I was unimpressed at the re-release of the special editions in the cinema in 1997. I honestly remember talking to my friends saying how much I preferred my battered old video tapes. Great video Michael.
Wow, when you were born i saw Return of The Jedi at my local as a kid. The good old days way before Disney took the films and ..., well best to forget those recent monstrosities huh?
I see older effects when I watch the original versions of Starwars, Empire, and Jedi. That's the point.
It always struck me as telling that first Lucas, and now Disney haven't just released the versions that released originally; it's almost like they know which ones would sell better and don't want to admit that the, by now also dated, CGI editions of the 90s and 2000s are at most tollerated by most people.
I'm too young to remember these coming out in theatres, but I do remember the last non-remastered editions releasing, and consider myself lucky to have had that as my first star wars experience.
One thing is well done CGI in the Battle of Yavin from the special edition of A New Hope or the original Star Wars, the other is adding dumb creatures that ruin many shots of Mos Eisley.
@@saricubra2867 the Yavin CGI is probably the best bit in the 'remaster' but in HD it's still obviously CGI which is a little jarring compared to the rest of the movie. I'd kinda be interested in seeing those scenes redone a second time with modern CG, more out of curiosity than anything else
Nailed it. 💯%. Take it from someone who did see Star Wars during its original theatrical release, it couldn't have been stated any better than this video.
100% agree with this. I was 10 when we travelled 60 miles to see Star Wars in glorious 70mm with about 800 people in the giant auditorium, after standing in line for about two hours. I still recall all of the points in the film wish elicited thunderous applause and cheering. When the lights came on, my mother said we should stay and see it again. We saw it about 30 times during its first 13 month run at that theater. I remember, as time passed, the audience went from booing Darth Vader's entrance to cheering it, along with all of the other characters. I truly feel sorry for younger fans who did not get to experience it that way.
Well said my friend 😉👍
I've been enjoying Harmy's Star Wars edition.
If I have to sit through 'Jedi Rocks' one more time, I'm going to cry. Please take me home! Back to the good old 1970's and 80's when Star Wars was just Star Wars!
I've watched your videos for a while now, and enjoyed them, along with your fandom of all those good things. I was surprised and delighted for the shoutout to our work on "Star Trek The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition". I was VFX Supervisor on the project. And we were precisely responding to what had happened with the SW Special Editions. I'm so pleased to see that it wasn't lost on you. I felt exactly the same way when I saw the 4k77 version. It was going home again. :)
So great to watch this video every now and then. On. Point.
This is what I’ve wanted for years. It’s why I showed my kids the special edition “bonus” versions (which were what, rips of the VHS or something - I bought them at an FYE right before the special editions came out) first, so they could experience the majesty.
I have to get a new computer. I need to make these happen.
I was there in 1977 to see the first Star Wars ....though we had to wait till July 1977 , but it was the first time our parents took us to an indoor theater . Before that we were only treated to movies at the drive in in the back of the big old station wagon. But that first time seeing Star Wars in the magical comfort of an indoor theater at 7 years old, created one of the greatest memories of my entire lifetime.
I know there is a difference in age between us, but after watching and subscribing to your channel, I know without a doubt that you get it!!! You were life struck by the same magic!!!
If you lived close by, I feel you would be a good friend. Keep being real, and May the Force be with you....Always!!!
Stay Creative and Dream!!!
Russ aka Winders Templing
I was lucky to see Star Wars on my 9th birthday which was 7/7/77 (remember that date very well) so was the perfect age. I remember the 78 holiday special being disappointing but them the previews for Empire (which didn't show much). I was very impressed with Empire. Me and two friends skipped our last period 9th grade English class and rode our bikes to see Jedi. Great times and was a fan of the Duke boys as well, every Friday after Hulk!
12:07 You make a very good point here. Star Wars wasn't just "another movie" to those of us who grew up with it in the 70's an 80's. Back then, it was such a universally loved part of our culture, that when you made a new friend and started talking about movies, you'd say, "What's your favorite movie? I mean, AFTER Star Wars." Because back then, it was a given, that EVERYBODY'S favorite movie was Star Wars. To really get to know someone in the 70's and 80's, you had to ask them what other movies they liked BESIDES Star Wars.
Nicely put, Michael - a sentiment I've felt for a long time but lacked the words to properly express. My daughter is now 15 and grew up on the (admittedly poor quality) commercially-released DVD version of Star Wars (1977) because, as you said, I wanted her to have the same experience I did. I'm grateful she loves the film as much as I do, and recently she and I sat down to watch Harmy's restoration/recreation together. That was another wonderful shared experience for us both... like finding a nice, clean, barely-read second-hand copy of a book we already owned and loved to read together (to stretch the metaphor). Thanks for a good video.
I recently acquired Project4K77 and 4K83 and they are spectacular. I would never have known about these without this video. Thank you Michael.
Refreshing. It’s nice to hear from another fan who had the same experiences I had growing up in the 70s and 80s
I have to say My story is completely different to yours Michael. I was 4 years old when I saw it. AND IT CHANGED MY LIFE.......... Completely!
But remember... Once you start down the improved effects path, forever will it dominate your destiny.... consume you it will. I'll take an original Star Wars viewing anyday over the "who shot first" argument.
Excellent video piece. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Nothing can replace the magic of coming home from school, pushing in the Star Wars VHS (recorded from TV) and playing with the action figures... and my Nonna's pasta!
From one fan to another, I must respectfully disagree with you... I LOVE THE SPECIAL EDITIONS.
Just to let you know where I am coming from... I am a first generation fan, who saw Star Wars in the theatre in the summer of 1977 when I was 10 years old.(Well, actually, I saw it 11 times in the theatre in the summer of 1977!), and It totally blew me away... I was the quintessential "1970's Star Wars fanatic"... I was there from the start, experiencing the very beginning of the Star Wars phenomenon first-hand... I lived and breathed it every day...It was a MAGICAL time, and I cherish every minute of it!
Star Wars is absolutely my #1 favorite movie of all time, and the Original Trilogy films are my three favorite movies of all time... Always have been...always will be... They are truly very special films... My absolute love for these movies knows no bounds, and has only grown more and more over the past 45 years... I consider myself the #1 fan of George Lucas and his galaxy far, far away... And I love NOT ONLY the Original Trilogy, but I absolutely LOVE the Prequel Trilogy as well.
And you are absolutely correct... They are more than just movies... MUCH MORE... They have transcended that... They are a part of us... A part of who we are.. They are in every single fiber of our very being... These films changed our lives... (like you said, these are all cliche's... but they are all true)... I absolutely share your love for these films... We are both on the exact same page there.
However. I guess that I have to consider myself LUCKY because, like I said, as a super-fan who has been there from the vey beginning, I don't have any of the problems that you seem to have with the Special Editions... and I NEVER have... I don't mind them AT ALL... In fact, I actually PREFER them, and honestly do not miss the original versions... When I first saw the Special Editions in 1997, I fell in love with these movies all over again, and in a new and different way... warmly embracing the new changes and additions that Lucas gave us ... What a special gift that was... This is where we disagree... If ANYONE could be turned off to these versions, it would definitely be someone like me... and I am NOT.
Now, do I love EVERY change that Lucas made?... No, not EVERY one, but I will honestly say that I do approve of a GOOD 90% of them... I think that he improved all three films tremendously.... and I can more than live with the 10% of the very few changes that I myself might not have done... i do not feel so possessive of those original versions that I can not let go, and appreciate the film's creator wanting to make them BETTER for me by realizing his FULL vision... (As a creator of sorts myself, I fully understand the need of a a creator wanting to improve his past work)...I have never once wished that I could go back to the original versions as my sole means of watching them... NOT ONCE... NEVER.
It REALLY IS too bad that the original versions of these films are not available for fans like you that like ONLY these versions, and I truly do sympathize with what you need to go through, hunting down all of these bootleg fan-made versions, to fully enjoy your viewing experience of these movies... I am sure that it must be very frustrating... Therein lies the problem... It would be nice if both versions could be made available so one can pick and choose (luckily, it doesn't effect me, as I adore either version).
Maybe one day the original versions will officially be made available, and we can ALL be happy... And if that day ever comes, I will be happy for fans like you that share your opinion... And I actually would enjoy watching them again, too... out of obvious curiosity and nostalgia reasons... But then, guess what... I would go RIGHT BACK back to watching the Special Editions again as my preferred viewing experience... because, just like the original versions, they too, in their own way, are very "special".
To sum up, I will just say "What's wrong with loving BOTH versions for their individual greatness?"
Just a thought... In any event, in the end, we both love Star Wars... and that's all that really matters...
May the Force be with you!
I was 7 in 1977 and got to see it in the theater. There was never anything like it. Was ahead of it's time. Changed the way I wanted to play with my toys. I just wanted more and more action figures and ships. Still have my Falcon in mint condition. Soooo many memories.
I never saw the original movie in theaters, I saw Episode one with my family in our local theater which has been gone for over 15 years now just grass next to a morbid thing a funeral home with two vehicles of their trade on display. I miss that theater as it was home to memories I like those who saw the 77 vintage of Star Wars. Sadly I am of the generation after you I saw Empire at school one year while my mom was working there unpaid because she was a volunteer but worked harder for tnan those teachers for five years. I saw the rest on DVD in a box set so I never knew the experience you did, but I am proud that the fans are doing the best work! May the force be with you always.
And I think you hit the nail on the head. I was born in March of 77 and was too young to remember my parents taking us to the drive in to see it. Then again we had to leave early because I was crying and kicking up a fuss. I vaguely remember seeing the early re release though. I saw the special editions, prequels, etc etc. No matter how much fan service is put into the movies, there will always be something missing....the feeling. I got that feeling when looking at a 16mm clip of Star Wars on RUclips. I need to break down and find a copy of 4K77
I just watched 4K77 and 4K83 on my Panasonic 65GZ2000 OLED and I was blown away... I could not agree more with Michael. Seeing the films as I first saw them all those years ago was a wonderful experience. The only other versions I may watch again are Adywan's Revisited, but TN1's originals are the definitive!
This video was amazing. It actually almost brought tears to my eyes. That's what STAR WARS means to me. I don't want to be thinking about some 2000s cartoon show while Ben is telling Luke about his past. I want to go to a time where there were only three films! I told myself that was impossible. This video helped me realize that maybe it's not. Do I want a remastered special edition of my favorite movie?
"Not on your life, that film and I have been through a lot together"
This is why everyone should be on Patreon right now backing Retroblasting, I couldn’t be more blown away with this video, it’s a heart felt documentary that has nothing but truth and love in it. I’ve watched this 3 times already by showing people at work it. Just think of the content if they could do this full time. Come on Netflix make it happen
Something always felt off seeing the Special Edition in theaters. It's why I stopped after the DVDs. They just collect dust after a few viewings but never getting that same feeling in watching them. I just couldn't get the feeling when watching them from the old trilogy VHS I abused with so many times watched when I was little. it felt off seeing them. Then I bought the despecialized OT edition at a con. I popped it in. I fell back in love. It had that feeling that was lacking. So I get it.
I remember sometime in the 90's I thought it was weird everyone called it "A New Hope". I thought at first they knew something I didn't and felt great shame.
I was born in 1972 and my sister took me to see it. I was fortunate enough to have a drive-in behind my childhood home and I could see the screen from our dining room. I could not hear it but could see it clear as day. I did that trench run SOOO many times I tore up one of the chairs 😂😂
A beautifully put together dialogue and video Michael. This echos my feelings and I'm sure the feelings of many, many others!
I was 9 went Star Wars came out. It was a truly magical evening watching it at the local theater in 77.
I grew up on watching the first DVD releases of the Originals, followed soon after by the Prequels on DVD. I watched 4K77 and somehow experienced that sense of "coming home" that you mention despite not having ever seen the theatrical cut. There is something about Star Wars that transcends film, almost like the Force itself, I swear
I only watch the restored original cuts and Adywan's fan cuts of the classic Star Wars films. Overall I feel the same.
Well put, Michael.
I was born in 1971 and I keenly remember not only a world before Star Wars, but the long wait between movies (even though it didn't feel like I was waiting for the next ones since, at my young age, I had no idea there were more coming...until Empire -then we *knew* there would be a third), as well as a world after Jedi. Star Wars (as a film series) was done and there was no reason to expect further movies.
I remember seeing my first pics from Jedi in the Sunday paper: Luke and Leia about to swing from Jabba's sail barge (I didn't know the context of any of this before I saw the movie), Luke hanging off the barge with an alien poking through one of the side grates, Leia and Chewie in the woods with Leia covering Threepio's mouth, I think there was a pig guard...anyway, all I could think (and this is after becoming OBSESSED with Empire) was "what the heck is going on?" Before the internet everything was a a mystery and a surprise (even if you read Starlog!).
Aside from merchandising (toys and bedsheets, etc.) there was no Star Wars saturation and that's why, to me, the Brian Daley Han Solo books and Splinter of the Mind's Eye felt so REAL.
And Walrus Man was Walrus Man. Not every last item on screen had a backstory.
Everyone I knew liked Star Wars -there wasn't even a Star Wars/Star Trek rivalry, people just seemed to like both, but for different reasons. I ought the letterboxed tapes when they came out in 1991(?) and loved seeing stuff cut out of the pan-and-scan versions.
Before Solo was even announced, I wanted to make a "factory stock" Millennium Falcon model (because I kept seeing the amazing work Bandai has done with the kit) and I deliberately limited my ideas and research to the period from 1977 to 1983. I only wanted to use the information I could reasonably get ahold of if I were building the kit in my later high school years (pre-1990) --but with my current modelling skills, of course...otherwise it'd be a waste of a kit.
For years now, whenever I feel like some Star Wars, I'll put on the Despecialized versions. It's enough for me.
Sorry for the blah-blah-blah, but your video sparked a TON of childhood and adolescent memories for me.
This video hits me in the heart. Its exactly what Ive thought my whole life. Made me cry. Bless you
You put a refreshing spin on something that has been bugging my Gen X mind for some time. I myself have not picked up the 4K 77 additions of the original trilogy but I intend to, thanks to this video . I have three kids of my own, ranging in age from 18 to 7. None of them have seen the original trilogy as you and I remember seeing them. Thank you for sharing your journey home; now it’s my turn!
Michael it is amazing how you put into words exactly how I have felt and couldn't articulate for the last 20+ years. How does one go about getting the 4K77 Bluray and did they do the same for Return of the Jedi? I HATE the changes to Jabba's palace and the Ewok celebration at the end. I want to go back to my childhood. And I agree wholeheartedly about how Star Wars is more than a movie...it is a cherished part of our childhood.
Yes, Return of the Jedi is done also.
later
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Mike Bowsher you can buy them off eBay
Don't bother buying them, they are free.
later
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@@negative1723 I don't have the technology to use them myself but was lucky enough to get a copy of both films (can't wait for a Project 4K80) on ebay that just came in the mail today. Going to fire them up after work tonight!
I gotta say, the 2004 editions of the OT is my 1977 version. (I was born in 1997) I’ve never actually seen the original versions except for those RUclips side by side comparisons. What’s funny is that i dislike the further revisions after the 2004 one. But when I think of Star Wars and my absolute love for those movies, I think of the spring/summer in 2005 when Revenge of the Sith came out, getting a Han Solo Burger King toy, asking my dad who it was, racing over to the closest Best Buy with my frantic and bewildered father, buying that golden Vader box set, and seeing the magic of Star Wars, edited or otherwise, for the first time ever.
That will forever be one of my most cherished memories for the rest of my life.
Are we the same person? Holy shit I have that same figure.
I downloaded the 4K77 version a few weeks ago and feel the same way. 4K83 doesn't mean quite as much to me, although I'm certainly hoping for 4K80 to be released soon, but being able to see Star Wars again in the way so many of us little kids did feels like a great gift. It's also a tribute to the people who did such a great job making the original movie with 1970's technology, created entirely new processes and did so with a modest budget.
Exactly! Star Wars is more than a movie. The original release deserves respect. Excellent reflection Michael. Thank you again for saying what I’m thinking and feeling.
Good video and I can tell you put some thought into this one. Well spoken and thank you!!! I believe I have to look into this 4K77 version now...
This was the best presentation about Star Wars, and why it should not have been changed I have ever heard. You are right on the money. I personally watch Star Wars because it was a wonderful movie from 1977. I want to be taken back to that era. I don't want to be reminded that Lucas is never satisfied with everything. I don't want be told that the movie wasn't good enough before, and look... we fixed it. You get it. Welcome home.
I’m very happy that you now have the Star Wars experience that makes you truly happy. May everyone who loves that galaxy far, far away find their true home within it someday. Thanks for the video. It was really thoughtful.
Wow, I had the same experience with 4K77! I went to see the special editions in '97 (I was 13 so it was to see them in a cinema!) I always thought of them as a bonus thing like with Aliens - I had no idea the originals would disappear. I just kept watching my original VHS tapes! The Force Awakens made me really sad about the whole thing, 4K77 was a perfect antidote to that.
Anyone that gives this amazing touching video a thumbs down is a troll. Thank you for making a new and unique tribute to Star Wars 🖤
I keep my old VHS, laserdisc players around so I can watch the original cuts and still remember where I first seen Star Wars. I was 2 yo and my mom was working for the main office of a grocery store chain and my mom was given test screening tickets for a new movie. Mom said I fell asleep during the movie. But I still remember first thing I seen was DARTH VADER. From that day forward I was obsessed. Heck it was the first toy I remember I owned as a kid. A Darth Vader action figure, till my brother smashed it under a garage door. I know that feeling and still have a hard time calling Star Wars episode4 because like you I’ve always known it as Star Wars.
This is interesting to me as a storyteller for multiple reasons. Stories, in and of themselves, are meant to be told, retold, retired, retooled, and reborn. The majority of stories can be compared and contrasted with earlier versions of themselves, as older versions have been kept alive in mythology and legend. With this movie, however, it's like they tried to do this multi generational shift in a single lifetime! I can kind of understand why they tried. After all, this movie is sacred, and who wants imperfect divinity? But they got lost in building shiny new megachurches, and broke the rules of storytelling in the process. I am glad for the clarity you have shared today.
I was born in 2002. I was lucky enough (and young enough) for vhs to still be a valid format, so I saw Star Wars for the first time unaltered. No CGI Jabba, no CGI Death Star run. The movie still totally captivated me and I insta tly fell in love. Watching the original trilogy with my mom and dad is one of my favorite childhood memories. The shock when I first saw the AT-AT's on Hoth. The suspense during the final battle on the second Death Star. There's still nothing quite like it.
I have to say, the filmgrain, the alignment burns, the camera wobbles, dirt, night shoot fuzzines with the camera lights glinting off C3PO.. the gentle wobble of the lanspeeder clearly on a rig just out of shot.
I am so glad this was made and you are right in all your points!
This is the edition I'm going to show my toddlers once they get a bit older :) Thanks for bringing to our attention, Mike and Melinda :)
Thank you for this beautifully written piece. Amazing.
Born in 89, but loved renting the trilogy on Friday night (video rental / pizza night), among other movie classics. I understand what George tried to accomplish with the edits, but having options to watch either cut would have been the best.
I still love to pop in the the VHS versions though, crash on our old couch (sits in my basement now) and curl up with the quilt my great grandma made me.
It's as close to time travel as I'll ever get.
Great perspective! Thanks for this. Pulling out the old VHS now.
The only thing I wanted out from Disney buying Fox was a cleaned up Blu-ray release of the theatrical versions on the original trilogy. But that seems like even something as simple as that will never happen.
ToonamiT0M Never say never.
I was 20+ when Star Wars came into our lives. I wasn't a toy collector. I did buy the John Williams soundtrack. I bought the magazines with any Star Wars related covers, like Starlog. I bought the novelization. Some comic books too. And later bought the PC video games from Lucasarts. I bought most everything through Empire and Return (Revenge) of the Jedi. Yes, some items had Revenge. That's where my fandom stays, 1977 to 1983. Prequels? Maybe Revenge of the Sith. Sequels? No! Bless Carrie Fisher for bringing a realistic and fun portrayal of a bad ass woman in a fantasy adventure! Great video young man! You sum it up for many of us old and not so old fans.
Enjoyed watching this a lot seems like a breath of fresh air from all the other Star Wars reviews and stories and I appreciate that as always with your videos 😊
I recent got the 4k77 and can never go back to special editions again having watched the original at the age of 5
Hi I'm 22 yrs old, what this man is saying in this video resenates with me. I was a fan of this movie not because of the technical aspect but the sense of wonder and emotional journey to the point of wanting to tell stories of my own. As I've gotten older I saw that's when I started to see that the technical aspect is as important as the story is. Anyway I was surrounded with people who only knew how to look at the negatives and only the negatives, for years I was called toxic, crazy, insensitive because I had a tendency to be critical; like the man in the video said my family were people who were bland and wasn't exactly into the stuff I was. For years I felt alone and afraid thinking that I'm crazy until I saw other people who felt the same way as I did. It's thanks to your videos and others that I now have the confidence to be unapologetic toward my critical review and learned to lower my expectations.
Well spoken, Mike. I was there in 1977 at 9 years old and remember it like yesterday.
My Star Wars home is the 2004 box set edition. I was born in 2001 and my dad, who saw the originals in theaters, saw the box set at a Walmart and enthusiastically bought it and we watched it together in 2005. I don’t mind the changes bc to me, those were natural parts of the movies, heck, I didn’t even know there were changes until I watched a HelloGreedo video in 2011 talking abt those changes. People who grew up watching the original versions notice those changes like a toothache, but to those of us who grew up with the special editions, they work just as fine and everything makes absolute sense.
You are speaking to the heart of a middle age man who shot down hundreds of Ties from the back of his friends’ 85 station wagon. (It didn’t look like much, and definitely didn’t have it where it counts.). Only the four of us, myself, my brother, our two best friends and all the memories to have.