Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
For the first time ever and for a limited time only, the enhanced versions of the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi will be available individually on DVD. Plus, these 2-Disc DVD's will feature a bonus disc that includes, for the first time ever on DVD, the original films as seen in theaters in 1977, 1980 and 1983.
The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas's epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, A New Hope. Second, the film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more critters and droids scurrying around the port of Mos Eisley when Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first arrive, no meetings between Han Solo and Jabba the Hut and between Luke and Biggs (extraneous scenes that were cut in 1977), no enhanced explosions during the final reel, and--most importantly to some fans--no more of Greedo shooting first in the bar. Instead Han is free to be the scoundrel and not even let Greedo squeeze off a shot. What do you lose by watching the 1977 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here). Digital cleanup for another--Tatooine looks like it's been coated with an additional layer of sand cloud. But for home-theater owners, the biggest frustration will be from the non-anamorphic picture. On a widescreen TV, an anamorphically enhanced (16x9) picture at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will fill the screen with the exception of small black bars on the top and bottom. The original edition of Star Wars, however, is not anamorphically enhanced (sometimes referred to as "4:3 letterbox"), so on a widescreen TV it will have large black bars on the top, the bottom, and the sides unless you stretch the picture (and distort it in the process, especially considering the substandard picture quality). If you're watching on a standard square-shaped (4:3) TV, though, you won't notice a difference. Yes, it's true that serious home-theater lovers who want spectacular sound and anamorphically enhanced picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope, and the 1977 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi
Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition) Accessories
 Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Star Wars - Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (Widescreen Edition)
Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition)
Star Wars - Episode II, Attack of the Clones (Widescreen Edition)
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (Special Edition)
Star Wars Trilogy (Full Screen Edition with Bonus Disc)
E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (Widescreen Edition)
The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/ Temple of Doom/ Last Crusade) - Widescreen Edition
Jaws (30th Anniversary Edition)
Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition) Reviews
I bought this one and the other of the trilogy to have all the original in my house. This time the movie was re-edited and digital improvement helping you to see in the new format of DVD and TV. This movie, and the other part of the trilogy, as well, are the best of Lucas Film. and because now are seeing them by my son.
Get this set, enjoy both versions, share it with you friends and family. The special effects and production quality were cutting edge. I saw the origional release at a Drive In when I was 13 years old and have rewatched the movie (in it's various releases) no less than 30 times since. The script was strong and the acting was mostly great. Recommended. Star Wars was really the first of it's kind. We have actually worn out a VHS copy of Star Wars because my kids also watched it over and over. To me, "Star Wars Episode IV" is Star Wars.
There are some fans who refuse to watch the 2004 edition. There are no deleted scenes or inside looks. Star Wars 4 Limited Edition includes the original theatrical release and the 2004 tweaked version. Note: For those of you with widescreen tvs, you will have to zoom in on the original disc because it is non-anaphormic. The only reason this DVD does not get five stars is the lack of special features. You might want to wait for the Absolute Blu Ray Star Wars Episode 1-6 set becasue it will probably be made.
This DVD will please both fans. Then there are people who prefer the 2004 release because it looks more realistic and updated. If you already own the 2004 DVD, it is up to you if you want to spend 15 dollars on the original. It just includes commentary. They prefer the original version where Han shoots first. No biggy.
I'm just thankful that they released the original with English subtitles. I think it adds a bit of charm to the set. Lucas does have a right to edit his movies as he sees fit.
Like an old-time movie, which it is becoming, and plot changes or significant editing to the story-lines are not always good, but Mr. And again: MR. Lucas to restore the original to modern-day brilliance.
I understand that LucasFilm had originally said that they would never release the original theatrical release on DVD, but they did, and we should be thankful, even if it isn't "perfect." All the whining isn't going to persuade Mr. LUCAS DID NOT HAVE TO RELEASE THE ORIGINAL, UNEDITED TRILOGY. I am also perplexed at the many whining reviews of this DVD set.
May the force be with you, always. It's one of greatest films ever, barnone. STAR WARS. Or Episode IV: A New Hope as it's now known.
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