Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (Limited Edition)

One of my favorite movies and favorite cinema-going experiences. Bought this dvd because it includes the original 1977 theatrical version which we fell in love with.

It's the remaster version you'd see on Disney Plus or the blu ray release, if you're looking for the 1997 release of the movie this isn't it. On the plus side it has the original 1977 release on a bonus disc and it pretty cool seeing how it was before all the re-edit's definitely worth it just for the original.

I don't understand how some can criticise these movies based on the aspect ratio of the picture, especially when they obviously can't do basic math. There are four different anamorphic, or widescreen, ratios on the market: 16:9, 1.77:1, 1.85:1, and 2.35:1. 1.77:1 is the closest to 16:9, converting to 15.93:9 1.85:1 converts to 16.65:9 ... so the picture is slightly taller 2.35:1 converts to 16.45:7 ... so the picture is both wider and shorter, giving it an even wider appearance For future reference for the math-impaired, the full-screen ratio of 4:3 reduces to 1.33:1. Based on silly complaints over the aspect ratio and on silly complaints about how many times Lucas will release these films (I don't see George twisting any arms, forcing people to buy them), I've given this 5-stars, to help offset such obviously whacky complaints, and because I'm simply happy to see the original releases now on DVD, and because they're simply great films! EDIT (16.09.06): Okay, so I showed my ignorance with what I wrote above and revealed that I really didn't know what "anamorphic" means. That is, until I did a little bit of research on it. But that's hardly the most important thing, is it? When the first Star Wars film came out, my family had just returned to the US after living in England for 3 years. I was 17, about to start my senior year of high school, and sitting in my grandparents' living room when I saw the first trailer on TV, and I knew right then that I just HAD to see this movie! I for one don't care that these aren't anamorphic or that they don't have 5.1 surround. I haven't even the equipment to enjoy such things. All I wanted was the original films, without the additions found in the later releases, and in widescreen format (letterbox or otherwise and no matter what the bloody aspect ratio, as long as it's not 4:3). I have them in widescreen on VHS, and now I've got them in widescreen on DVD (I think the full-screen format, which these are not, absolutely ruins the composition and art of the original image of any film). With a 31" Hitachi "old fashioned" TV -- a TV that is now going on 12 years old, as a matter of fact -- I'm quite happy with what I've got. It's the stories that I love, not the technology that delivers them. I think that's what has bothered me about a lot of the reviews. People are not sounding like they really wanted the original films on DVD. What they wanted and what they love are the bells and whistles, and now they're pissed that no bells are ringing and that the whistles are lacking those little balls inside. They criticise George for 'hacking' up the original films with those admittedly horrid additions, and they criticise George for going hog-wild with CGI graphics in the most recent trilogy, and then they show themselves as guilty as George of the same sins when what they moan about is the lack of technology with this release. George forgot that the story is primary in his lust for technology (especially with the last three films), and the same now seems to be true of many others. As a writer of fiction, I think that's sad. Story HAS to be more important than anything else. Without that, movies, stage plays, TV shows, novels, and short stories are just a huge waste of time and money. With these DVDs (I purchased all three), you get the original films, and you get them in widescreen format. For me, those are the most important things. If what you want are electronically simulated bells and CGI rendered whistles (who needs those annoying little balls anyway when you can generate them with a computer?), then move on to the next stall. Otherwise, what you'll find here are good, old-fashioned cracked bells, and plastic whistles with plastic balls, but at least you'll know they're the genuine articles, and not "authentic replicas."

When I was 7, my cousin Mickey and I saw this film at the drive-in theater in Euclid, Ohio. Every year thereafter my dad would take me to see this classic when it was released again until its final release just before the film was released in 1982 on VHS and Betamax home video (as a rental only) and later released for home ownership. But the reason I bought this DVD was not for the first disc. I bought this for the bonus DVD with the original 1977 theatrical version of the movie...the one before the title, EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE was added to the crawl. If you are a staunch supporter of the "Han shoots first!" argument and detractor of the additional things that Lucas added unnecessarily (with exception the the cool solar flare around Alderaan and the Death Star when they explode), then this is the DVD for you. It cannot be found anywhere now in the retail market in NEW condition. Only in used CD and video stores will you find this gem. And, while I feel that the prices on Amazon for this version can be pricey at times, I know collectors will pay top dollar for the theatrical versions of the original trilogy films. The 1977 theatrical version is presented in a widescreen format, preserving the original aspect ratio of its big screen showings, however, it is not formatted for the 16 X 9 coding used to format letterbox for widescreen TV sets of the present. So no matter how hard you may try, you will never be able to watch this version without the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen unless you click the zoom feature on your remote control. But doing that will crop most of the film, making it grainy and blurry in spots. This version is strictly for purists who are looking for 100% nostalgia. The transfer was not given any special treatments either. There remain blemishes in the print that resemble that of the version that was issued on VHS in 1982, however, it gives the film a fun, theatrical viewing style which for me, is great if you want to relive this one from your childhood in its original form. There were no enhancements in color, picture or sound, or anything. This plays back in a monaural soundtrack. So if you want stereo, you will get simulated, not true stereo sound in this version and will have to hold out for Disney to release, if ever, a stereo version of this film. But if you want a fun and true cinematic experience in your own living room, and want to share with your kids the version you originally saw in theaters, this version (on disc 2) is the one you want. What are you waiting for? Pick up a copy before you can't get it anymore. You'll be glad you did. In closing, the only thing I didn't like about this DVD set is the artwork on the cover (front and back), It would have been nice if Lucasfilm and FOX went with the original film poster for the front of this amaray case. You will see the same artwork on disc 1 in this set. Return to that galaxy far, far away...and watch a great adventure take place in your own living rooms again and again. Now for the second part of my review, for the fans who feel they were short-changed by this release: I think it is so amazing how people always seem to think they are OWED or ENTITLED to something. How arrogant and self-absorbed can people really be? Well, apparently 90% of the fans of STAR WARS seem to be in regards to this movie series. First of all, I am embarrassed to be a STAR WARS fan now and to be lumped in with the company of people who take it as a personal affront by George Lucas to update his films for a new generation of film lovers. Do I like the Special Edition versions? Not at all. But I feel the opposite of the rest of you who seem to hate them to the point of calling for a boycott of George Lucas and spewing your bile at him for updating his films. They are HIS! They are not yours. He can do what he wants with them. You really have no idea how petty and trivial you all sound. Let me tell you. You do and you are! George Lucas never once forced anyone to go to the theater to see STAR WARS or any other film in this series. He didn't hold a gun to your head (or a lightsaber to your throats) threatening your life if you didn't invest your hard-earned money in his products. You did that all on your own...freely and of your own choice. And, while I wish Lucasfilm had released the original versions in anamorphic widescreen editions, I am just satisfied to have them and to be able to share them with a younger audience. If you don't like them, fine. That is your right, too. But stop crying like the spoiled brats your parents raised you to be and move on with your one and only lives. While I believe that George Lucas owes you NOTHING, I feel you owe George Lucas an apology for your selfishness, your rudeness, and your vitriolic words of hatred toward him. He does not answer to his fans and to demand from the man that which you feel you are entitled to, just drives home the point that this generation for the most part is a selfish, arrogant bunch whose belief in self-entitlement is downright sickening. So you didn't get the versions of STAR WARS that you wanted? Big deal! That's life! Deal with it! I believe there are more important issues in this life than STAR WARS and the version that has been released here in this amaray case. But others here will cry and whine and spew until the end of your lives. But, that is your choice. And what a waste is is. As for the Special Editions, fans who enjoy the newer effects can have them now to enjoy. I recently bought a Blu-ray player, but have not spent the money for the complete saga on Blu-ray. Why not, you ask? I am holding out hope that Disney will release the original version to us on Blu-ray. But if they don't, I am not going to go insane on them and boycott them. That is stupid and shows a maturity level of dirt. I am not making any demands on anyone because I would not presume to act as though I am entitled to own the original film I grew up on. For those demanding better from George Lucas, I say to you look at yourselves first. I'm sure your parents raised you to be better than that which you seem to be projecting here. If not, then your parents failed you and your unwillingness to accept that has been redirected at George Lucas in your misguided attempts to feel better about yourselves. Grow up and get on with your one and only lives. Stop making the rest of the fans of STAR WARS look bad. Go make your own science fiction classic and then come back and see how well you and your own product are received by your "adoring" public. If I were George Lucas, I would ignore you, too. Why would I want to give a whiny, spoiled brat more when they blatantly show me disrespect? Think of that as you look back on your own pathetic and useless lives.

In 1977, George Lucas released a film that pushed special effects farther than ever before, and made an instant classic. One thing that should be noted is that this film brought the sci fi genre back to life, and it's success gave films like the original "Alien" the greenlight. The plot of this film isn't hard to get into: It is a period of civil war, and the evil empire (lead by the diabolical Darth Vader) is getting stronger and stronger. However, the rebellion won't go down without a fight. After winning their first victory, Princess Leia and a band of rebels have stolen secret plans to the empire's ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armored Space Station with enough power to destroy an entire planet! Now, Leia must team up with a band of rebels; the farm boy Luke Skywalker, the theif Han Solo, and wise hermet Obi-Wan Kenobi, to stop the empire before they gain complete control over the galaxy. THE POSITIVES: -The story is very creative, and the script is really tight. -The characters are all great, developed well, and the acting is great. The stand out role here has to go to Harrison Ford as the witty Han Solo, he brings and extra degree of fun to the film (and yes, he DID shoot first). -Overall, the pacing is pretty good, and there is plenty of action to satisfy. -The directing is great as well, George Lucas deserves every bit of credit for his work on this film. -Words can't describe the amount of spectacle Lucas gives us with the effects here. The scenes in space specifically gives us a more open environment in space like never before, and the "dog fights" with the fighters are extremely well done Audio, video, everything is amazing. THE NEGATIVES: -The pacing is really good MOST of the time. The section on Lukes home planet, Tatooine, is easily the slowest point of the film. Some of these scenes either could have been edited more, or could have have a tad more action. BUT, the opening sequence of the film is great, and the audience can greatly appreciate the build up with the characters. -The acting is good most of the time, but there are still a few lines of dialogue that are delivered ackward, or are just written poorly. But, this is merely a nitpick (especially considering much of the cast here are newcomers) so it's easy to forgive that. THE CHANGES: -This being a Star Wars review, I am pretty much required by law to list the good and bad (mostly bad) "Lucas changes" to a film trilogy that was already perfectly fine. I don't want to bore anyone with a list of every single Star Wars change that is in this film, but I will address my least favorite change of this film: -Han shot first, period. In the original cut, when Han is held at gun point by a bounty hunter, Greedo, he kills him without mercy. BUT, George Lucas tamered with this scene, and now, Han and Greedo both shoot at the same time, making it as if Han shot in self defence. The change simply looks terrible on screen, and it's very obvious it's been messed with. What made Han Solo a relatable character is that he starts out as a guy who only cares about himself. But, as the film goes on, we see him become a better man. George Lucas' "logic" with this change is that Han could never kill in such a merciless way. But, isn't the whole THEME of the Star Wars series redemption? And according to Lucas's logic, I guess you can wipe out a bunch of innocent kids and be redemed, but killing a bounty hunter in cold blood is just too much... -Yeah, there are a few CGI dubed parts that are stupid, but I can easily ignore those. And honestly, there are some scenes that extra footage does help clean up some scenes, and makes some of the flying sequences "flow" better, and some changes help make the Star Wars saga feel like one series. For example, when this film was released, it was simply titled "Star Wars" and he later had it retirled "Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope", which I think is a pretty fitting title. But, that's pretty much all the good I can say. In the end, Star Wars was an instant classic, filled with genius film making. There are very few times I would call a film "revolutionary", but this is definately a film I would say changed the way we view and make movies, and many of the sci fi classics of the 80s might not have been made if it wasn't for Star Wars. If you are a sci fi/adventure film fan, this is a film you should check out. Sure, sci fi films are a dime a dozen now, but the reason why we have films like Avatar are BECAUSE of the original Star Wars trilogy. And to any Star Wars fan, I think this is a set worth getting, simply because it has the original theatrical edition. Yeah, the quality is pretty bad, but not unbearable. Besides, DVD's last much longer than VHS, so as of now, this is the best way to own the original theatrical edition. Although this isn't my personal favorite of the Star Wars series, it still deserves all the credit it gets, which is why I am giving "Star Wars" or "Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope" 5 stars.

*There are several different editions available on this purchase page. This review is specifically about the SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 EDITION. Scroll down for a quick summation and the details of review. _______________________________________________________ The original Star Wars is awesome. We all know that. Classic. We all know that Lucas went back and made "improvements." We all know that these changes are terrible. We all know Greedo did not shoot first and that Lucas' revision of the scene runs exactly counter to the Han Solo character. He's not a moral, ethical guy when the story starts. He's a lone wolf. He takes care of #1 and that's it. Which is why Han Solo's late decision to risk his life for his friends and the rebel cause is so dramatic and powerful. Anyway, no need to get too deep into this. So here is where my review starts. This 2006 edition DOES include the original theatrical version. It's a terrible transfer. It's grainy. It's not full frame. It looks ugly. The problem here is ... young people being introduced to Star Wars for the first time are very unlikely going to want to watch the original theatrical version. The transfer makes it look like it's a 100 years old. So must people (and importantly the kids) are going to watch the "restored" version. The "restored" version does look great. It's not anamorphic and that's another slam against Lucas. (Why, why, why can't he simply do a great, clean restore of the original theatrical version???) But ... despite not being anamorphic ... the restored version looks pretty damn good. So my concern is people will opt to watch the restored version, not the theatrical. Meaning a ton of kids are going to see the WRONG version of the Solo/Greedo scene. Too many kids have no idea the history behind this scene and Harrison Ford's character. After watching the newest chapter in the theaters, my daughter wanted to see the original again (she had been 4 when she first watched it and didn't remember anything.) I obviously wanted her to see the original, but after watching a few seconds of the terrible transfer of the theatrical, we opted to go with the new, glossy "restored" version and I would point out the new enhancements. All went well until the Solo/Greedo scene. My daughter hated all the stupid enhanced CGI scenes (the Jabba scene in the hangar is viciously awful), but after I showed her the original Solo/Greedo scene later ... she said she couldn't get the "restored" version "out of her head." In other words, the version where Greedo shoots first had imprinted on her since she saw it that way first. Despite going back to watch how Han originally shot Greedo first, it had little impact for her. So if you have kids who are young enough to be coming to the Star Wars films for the first time ... AND ... you are thoughtful Star Wars fan who wants to raise their children the right way ... you are going to want to show them the THEATRICAL version FIRST. This 2006 edition is one of the very few options you have to get your hands on the original theatrical version. It's a crappy transfer. But it's there. And it's the original. Make your kids watch the crappy transfer version first. DO NOT let them view the glossy "restored" version first. It is that important. SUMMATION ___________ 1) This is a review of the Sept 12 2006 DVD edition. 2) Star Wars IV is a classic film and the progenitor of the enormous cultural phenomenon. 3) This DVD edition contains a beautifully "restored" transfer -- but also contains the controversial, widely criticized "enhancements." Despite these controversial enhancements, this "restored" version looks GREAT. 5 stars for the transfer. -1 star for the enhancements. 4) This DVD edition DOES include the original THEATRICAL version. But the transfer is terrible. Not even full-screen. HOWEVER, this DVD edition is one of the VERY FEW ways people can get a chance to see the original 1977 version. 5 stars for the inclusion of the original theatrical version and -4 stars for the horrible transfer. 5) All Star Wars fans have an obligation to make sure they have seen the original theatrical version at some point in their lives. 6) Parents of young children have a RESPONSIBILITY to make sure their kids are introduced to the Star Wars world and characters in the appropriate manner. GEORGE LUCAS is WRONG. Han Solo shooting Greedo first was one of the greatest character introductions in movie history. In that moment, Han Solo became one of the most interesting movie characters ever. A true anti-hero. And it set up the stakes for what happens later in the story ... when the future of the galaxy is in jeopardy ... the self-centered, unethical mercenary decides to help his friends and help the rebel cause. It is vital that children are educated and exposed to the enormous mistakes made by George Lucas. Teaching kids early about the horrible decisions Lucas made in "restoring" the original ... will help them understand how it was that this grand, wonderful movie franchise managed to produce and release the boring-as-tears middle three films. It was an awful, horrible mistake. My review is a review of this DVD edition/release.

I first saw "Star Wars" in the theater with my brother Pat and high school friends Sue, Bunky and Blaise, when it was first released in the summer of 1977, when I was 21. Well, I'm 67 now and got it on DVD and appreciate it more than ever. I first got it on BETA back in the '80's. Then on VHS back in the '90's. This is one of my favorite adventure films. It was nominated for the "Oscar" for Best Picture, (Woody Allen's "Annie Hall" won.) Alec Guinness was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for playing aging Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi but lost to Jason Robards for "Julia" It won six "Oscars" for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score by John Williams, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. This was one of the first movies to use DOLBY Stereo. The National Film Registry started by The Library of Congress in 1988 to preserve films as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant," placed "Star Wars' on the list in 1989. One of their first selections. They add around 25 movie to the list every year. There are only around 800 movies on the list. Quite an honor. The American Film Institute, (AFI,) ranked "Star Wars" No. 15 on their list of The 100 Greatest Movies of All Time. Writer /Director George Lucas was raised Protestant, his interest in Eastern Religions and Joseph Campbell inspired "The Force." Mark Hamill ,(Luke Skywalker,) called "The Force, " "Religion's greatest hits." That's a good one. And May 4th is International "Star Wars" day, "May the Fourth Be With You." Using the inflation factor only "Gone With The Wind" from 1939 has made more money than "Star Wars." The tagline for the movie poster read... "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...."

Bought this for the original theatrical version and I love it. It looks perfectly fine on a non-HD TV. Basically it sounds, from other reviews, like it looks worse the larger it gets. So just don't view it on a huge screen. Fortunately, all the loud protests of fans about the limitations of this product may have kept it from selling out too soon. Now you can pick up new copies for around $10. This is probably the least amount of buyer's remorse I've ever had with a Star Wars movie in the last twenty years (aside from the Genndy Tartakovsky Clone War Cartoons I bought as children's gifts) And don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If you want to wait for George Lucas to release a cleaned up anamorphic edition of the originals, you'll never see it. Generally if he does something, he'll use the state-of-the-art method of doing so, which takes more time and money. Problem is, by the time he cleans, makes it anamorphic, and increases the resolution for HDTV, who knows what else he'll decide to do. This is probably the closest thing you'll get. This is Star Wars. I never felt right about all the changes. I tried to trust George Lucas. I thought that the changes were going to make the movies blend with the then upcoming prequels. But honestly, the entire process of seeing the special editions of the originals and then watching each prequel just chipped away at any hope I may have had. In my opinion these movies began a decline after 1980's Empire Strikes Back. There are no changes in the newer editions that added anything to the originals. In fact, now that I've seen them again, the changes actually detract, some just more than others. Movies are a collaborative effort of writers, directors, actors, special effects, music, etc. In a sense, the time period and other conditions are also key collaborators. Their contributions include their weaknesses and limitation. Any piece of art, whether it's a painting, novel, or movie, is best viewed through an "historical lens." Star Wars looks only a little clunky now, so it's not at all hard to see how fantastic it looked back in 1977 and for many years beyond. My disappointment with the Star Wars Prequels was that we never saw Anikan Skywalker make any descent (slow or otherwise) to the "Dark Side." Instead he makes a rash emotional decision in the last moments of the final prequel, commits horrible but uncharacteristic acts, becomes mutilated, and is placed in a black outfit. All the time before I imagined the suit was a reflection of the man inside, now it appears that he simple was the suit. George Lucas just doesn't have the ability to let his characters live and make mistakes or do bad things. That's why he had to change the scene with Han shooting Greedo, and even had Luke screaming when he fell into the bottomless pit in "Empire," because he didn't want people to think Luke was intentionally ending his life (he removed that change later). I've thought this independently, and it's been said many times before, that "George Lucas has given in to the Dark Side." In a way, we are witnessing the drama of Anikan succumbing to the Dark Side through George Lucas. He's become trapped in his own creation. He can only tinker with what he sees as flaws, instead of moving on and creating something new. Now he plans to release all the the Star Wars movies in numerical order and in 3-D. In a way I'm glad, because I can finally put my foot down and simply not follow this man any further. I will never see any of these movies in 3-D. I will probably only occasionally watch the theatrical versions, such as they are, from here on out.