September 1st

[Foxbat]

Well folks, the rumour mill has started grinding away again. Latest date for a release of Star Wars original trilogy (episodes Iv V & VI) is the aforementioned date. If true, it'll be interesting to see how sales stack up against LOTR. These two sets will probably become the biggest selling on DVD by a mile...ah happy days

[I, Brian]

Oh, lordy - so long as they are the original and not computer enhanced versions. I refuse to buy if they don't offer me that choice - I'd rather track a pirate of the originals from the laserdisc releases if they only release the "trumped up" versions.

[Foxbat]

I'd rather track a pirate of the originals from the laserdisc releases if they only release the "trumped up" versions.

The article in DVD monthly said that it looked as if Lucas was giving in to fan pressure with this date. With a bit of luck, he'll give in again. Lets face it, with DVD technology there's nothing to stop them releasing alternative versions - that way everybody's happy

PS. A mate of mine has got the THX CAV Laser Discs and they were not cheap when they first came out (£250). Methinks he hath more money than sense

[I, Brian]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

PS. A mate of mine has got the THX CAV Laser Discs and they were not cheap when they first came out (£250). Methinks he hath more money than sense

If Lucas fails to release the original version, then you can bet he could make a killing on e-bay.

I'd certainly consider buying.

I just hope that Lucas isn't pig-headed enough to think you can really take a classic and improve on it - that is simply incorrect. The CGI version had it's good points (Mos Eisley) - and it's bad points (Jabba the Hutt, shiny TIE fighters).

I simply hope they offer us the choice, as they did with the remastered video release of the trilogy a few years ago. I bought the classic one, of course.

DVD is far superior to video, though. No smearing.

[Foxbat]

I'd certainly consider buying.

I have to say that CAV discs are probably the only thing to rival (if not surpass DVD quality).

The one problem is that this is a six disc set which means a lot of changing if you watch the whole shebang.

[Foxbat]

Play.com is now taking pre-orders for the region 2 release (dated 20th sept) at £33.99.

It says they are THX mastered and digitally restored. It doesn't say if it is the newer version with CGI or the original older.

Still - as far as I'm concerned, there are two fine Scottish phrases that spring to mind in a time of such anticipation: Help ma Boab! and Haud me Back!

You can take it as read that mine is on pre-order

[I, Brian]

Yep - it's the special editions.

Tempting as the films are, I refuse point blank to buy the special editions. It's like re-writing history. You simply cannot take a classic and "improve" it.

If Lucas doesn't release the originals, as they were, then I can see there being a thriving market in copies from the Video disc releases. Maybe that's where I'll get my copy?

[Vodstok]

There is no reason for them to not release discs that have the original and "enhanced" versions on the same disc. Indepenace day has both the theatrical release and the extended version on one disc. And that came out years ago.

[I, Brian]

It's just that they are labelled "special editions" at amazon.co.uk:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...940720-1223805

In 1997 Lucas re-released the three original films in digitally remastered "Special Edition" versions, in which many scenes have been restored and enhanced (some would say "unnecessarily tinkered with"). Despite loud and continued criticisms from fans, these Special Editions are now considered definitive, if only by Lucasfilm. --Mark Walker