Apparently, George Lucas can’t leave his films alone. Today marks the release of the original Star Wars trilogy on DVD, and there are a couple more changes to be found, aside from the 1997 Special Edition tinkering.
The following is a complete run down of the changes, as taken from the CNN site:
5. Jedis don’t scream
The 1997 special edition version of “The Empire Strikes Back” was changed so Luke wails as he jumps off the platform in Cloud City. In the only instance of Lucas undoing a later alteration (sadly, Greedo still shoots first on the DVD of “A New Hope”), he’s taken it off the DVD edition. Maybe he realized Jedis (even ones in training) don’t scream.
4. Boba Fett has a new voice
Since Boba Fett is a clone of Jango Fett, and Jango Fett is played by Temura Morrison, doesn’t it make sense that he should sound like him, too? That’s exactly what George Lucas thought, so Morrison was brought in to revoice the four lines of dialogue (yes, believe it or not there are only four!) Boba spoke in the original trilogy.
3. A new and improved Jabba
Remember that dodgy-looking computer-generated Jabba they inserted into the 1997 re-release of “A New Hope”? Well, he looks a little less dodgy this time around thanks to some improved CGI.
2. The emperor’s new clothes
In the original version of “The Empire Strikes Back,” the emperor Darth Vader speaks to via hologram was played by a woman in a mask (!) and voiced by Clive Revill. Again, in the interests of consistency, Ian McDiarmid — who portrays the emperor in “Return of the Jedi” and the prequel trilogy — now appears in that scene with an added line or two of dialogue.
1. The big finale
The 1997 special edition of “Return of the Jedi” added a few “Star Wars” worlds joining the celebration of the Empire’s demise at the end of the film. For the DVD, they’ve added Naboo, a planet that figures prominently in the prequel trilogy. Also, Anakin Skywalker is noticeably different this time around. When he removes his Darth Vader helmet, he now has no eyebrows! It’s probably safe to assume he singes them off in his battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi in next summer’s “Return of the Sith” and a change had to be made.
But the most noticeable change — and perhaps one some “Star Wars” diehards will have a tough time stomaching — is Hayden Christensen (who plays young Anakin in the prequel trilogy) now appearing in the scene where the “force ghosts” of Anakin, Obi Wan, and Yoda smile at Luke. One thing’s for sure, there’s plenty for fans to debate — that is, until the trilogy comes out yet again on another format in the future and Mr. Lucas makes his inevitable changes…
So…what’s my opinion?
The Bobba Fett voice-replacement doesn’t bother me that much, but removing the scream from Empire is a vast improvement (it remains the movie that required the least amount of tinkering). The replacing of the original Emperor footage in Empire is a move I am more than comfortable with, as it does rub the wrong way compared to all of Ian McDiarmid’s wonderful performances in the other films.
I’m going to save my thoughts on the final Return of the Jedi changes until I see the DVDs, and I’ll post my reviews in the REVIEW section of the blog. I must admit, I’m somewhat intrigued by these tantilising new additions. Until then, my main concern is to find the best price for the box set. Time to go shopping…
