Star Wars the original edition
The first three Star Wars movies (we know them as episodes IV, V, and VI) were released in the years before CGI; special effects were all photographic, practical (models, puppets, stop-motion), or hand-drawn (e.g. rotoscope). Despite the limitations, the story telling and suspension of disbelief all worked (not just for me, but for the blockbusting lines of fans at the time). Nevertheless, when CGI became possible and practical, Lucas decided to rework these movies and re-release them with scenes added or modified to incorporate CGI creatures, robots, etc.. This question: Modifications to the Star Wars original trilogy provides examples of some of the alterations.
Personally, I prefer the movies in their original form, but only the reworked editions seem to be in "official" distribution - when broadcast on network TV, etc..
My question: Do the original versions of these movies (either original theatrical release or original home video releases, pre-CGI) exist in licensed distribution? Have they been completely withdrawn in favor of the CGI editions? Are we ever likely to encounter them in either official DVD catalogs or TV broadcasts?
Best Answer
There is probably not going to be an official release of the original unadulterated trilogy because, while Disney has bought the franchise and rights to use the universe and characters for new productions, they didn't actually "buy" the original movies. Fox still owns the rights to distribute those for a couple more years (and actually own Episode IV in perpetuity because Lucasfilm didn't own that one). Although, the new merger talks between Disney and Fox might fix that.
However, a rather industrious fan has been working on a hi-definition "despecialised" edition. By taking Blu-ray, HDTV broadcasts, Laserdisc, and even original film print scans as a source, they've been able to remove the additions made for the 1997 special edition (and from other releases). Unfortunately, there's a legal grey area on this unofficial release (because of the same distribution rights which are blocking Disney at the moment), and so it is not easy to get hold of.
Pictures about "Star Wars the original edition"
Is the original version of Star Wars still available?
Unfortunately, the only HD versions of the original Star Wars trilogy that are available to buy on Blu-ray or stream on Disney+ are the ones with which George Lucas tinkered: first with the rerelease in 1997, then adding more changes in the 2004 DVD release ... and again in 2011 ...How much is the original Star Wars script worth?
Unsurprisingly, some fans are willing to pay quite the price for a piece of Star Wars history. Each script has been valued at approximately $20,000 to $50,000 each.How much is the first edition of Star Wars?
A second hardcover edition was released as the \u201cfirst edition\u201d by Ballantine Del Rey in 1977, and bears the same cover art. This edition can be found for around $20.Is the Star Wars on Disney plus the original?
Disney Plus has every "Star Wars" movie from the original trilogy through "The Rise of Skywalker." The service is also home to exclusive "Star Wars" shows, like "The Mandalorian" and "Obi-Wan Kenobi." Disney Plus costs $8/month or $80/year, and you can bundle it with ESPN+ and Hulu for $14/month.All Changes Made to Star Wars:A New Hope (Re-upload)
More answers regarding star Wars the original edition
Answer 2
The unaltered cuts of the original Star Wars trilogy were released on DVD for a limited time in 2006, bundled with the 2004 special editions.
Why Hasn't Disney Released The Original Unaltered Star Wars Films?
He eventually relented and released the unaltered cuts on DVD for a limited time in 2006, bundled with the 2004 special editions. There are plenty of them available on sites like eBay if anyone wants them. The films didn't arrive on Blu-ray until 2011, a single year before he sold the franchise to Disney, meaning the unaltered cuts never officially arrived in high definition.
George Lucas never wanted to spend the money on releasing them on DVD, however as he talks about it in an interview with Today:
Lucas talks as ‘Star Wars’ trilogy returns
AP: Why not release both the originals and special editions on DVD?
Lucas: The special edition, that’s the one I wanted out there. The other movie, it’s on VHS, if anybody wants it. ... I’m not going to spend the, we’re talking millions of dollars here, the money and the time to refurbish that, because to me, it doesn’t really exist anymore. It’s like this is the movie I wanted it to be, and I’m sorry you saw half a completed film and fell in love with it. But I want it to be the way I want it to be. I’m the one who has to take responsibility for it. I’m the one who has to have everybody throw rocks at me all the time, so at least if they’re going to throw rocks at me, they’re going to throw rocks at me for something I love rather than something I think is not very good, or at least something I think is not finished.
As for future plans, Kathleen Kennedy has stated that there are no immediate plans to release the original versions:
Star Wars: Lucasfilm Has No Plans to Restore Theatrical Cuts of Original Trilogy
Unfortunately, those still holding out hope for a restored HD release of the theatrical cuts of the original trilogy should probably prepare to get sad all over again. Movie Web reports that during a recent appearance on the Steele Wars Podcast, Kathleen Kennedy was asked about the possibility, and responded as follows:
“I wouldn’t touch those, are you kidding me? [laughs] Those will always remain his.”
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Monstera, Gotta Be Worth It, HONG SON, Felix Mittermeier