Star Wars
04-26-11, 05:48 PM
#976
DVD Talk Legend
re: Star Wars
From the forums at blu-ray.com, a Star Wars Insider magazine issue this summer will have the details on the special features of the set. June 15 is apparently the date it comes out.
http://plixi.com/p/94810293
http://plixi.com/p/94810293
04-27-11, 03:27 AM
#977
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re: Star Wars
Marcia's work on the Original Trilogy and the divorce settlement are two totally separate issues.
As I understand it, as part of the divorce settlement, as a contributing spouse, she was given 50% of the profits from anything that was created during their marriage for a period of 10 years from the date of their divorce, as well as a 50% share of anything that was created or started during the 10 year period from the divorce in 1983 through 1993. George agreed to a higher percentage and a shorter term so that he would be free from paying her under the terms of the divorce after the 10 years. He knew the big money would come from the prequels and didn't want her to get a dime from them.
Since 1993, George has been completely free. Marcia now gets only the residuals from her awarded "points" as a professional – nothing from the divorce. The "Special Editions" were released in 1997, four years after the divorce settlement had expired.
Another thing, I would argue that the Special Edition of Ep VI actually had the most work done. ROJ (with the addition of the horrible music video at Jabba's Palace and new ending showing the different planets of the Republic) was the primary "test" film for the CGI work in the prequels. If more time was actually spent on IV, it was probably only because it was the oldest film and needed the most work to bring it up to today's standards.
As I understand it, as part of the divorce settlement, as a contributing spouse, she was given 50% of the profits from anything that was created during their marriage for a period of 10 years from the date of their divorce, as well as a 50% share of anything that was created or started during the 10 year period from the divorce in 1983 through 1993. George agreed to a higher percentage and a shorter term so that he would be free from paying her under the terms of the divorce after the 10 years. He knew the big money would come from the prequels and didn't want her to get a dime from them.
Since 1993, George has been completely free. Marcia now gets only the residuals from her awarded "points" as a professional – nothing from the divorce. The "Special Editions" were released in 1997, four years after the divorce settlement had expired.
Another thing, I would argue that the Special Edition of Ep VI actually had the most work done. ROJ (with the addition of the horrible music video at Jabba's Palace and new ending showing the different planets of the Republic) was the primary "test" film for the CGI work in the prequels. If more time was actually spent on IV, it was probably only because it was the oldest film and needed the most work to bring it up to today's standards.
04-27-11, 07:46 AM
#978
DVD Talk Legend
re: Star Wars
As I understand it, as part of the divorce settlement, as a contributing spouse, [Marcia Lucas] was given 50% of the profits from anything that was created during their marriage for a period of 10 years from the date of their divorce, as well as a 50% share of anything that was created or started during the 10 year period from the divorce in 1983 through 1993. George agreed to a higher percentage and a shorter term so that he would be free from paying her under the terms of the divorce after the 10 years. He knew the big money would come from the prequels and didn't want her to get a dime from them.
Since 1993, George has been completely free. Marcia now gets only the residuals from her awarded "points" as a professional – nothing from the divorce. The "Special Editions" were released in 1997, four years after the divorce settlement had expired.
Since 1993, George has been completely free. Marcia now gets only the residuals from her awarded "points" as a professional – nothing from the divorce. The "Special Editions" were released in 1997, four years after the divorce settlement had expired.
Another thing, I would argue that the Special Edition of Ep VI actually had the most work done. ROJ (with the addition of the horrible music video at Jabba's Palace and new ending showing the different planets of the Republic) was the primary "test" film for the CGI work in the prequels. If more time was actually spent on IV, it was probably only because it was the oldest film and needed the most work to bring it up to today's standards.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...pecial_Edition
04-27-11, 01:10 PM
#979
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re: Star Wars
He didn't put the unaltered OT on the DVD releases as a "bonus," he put them on there because he knew most Star Wars fans had already purchased the box set and he got us all to buy the same movies again. By not remastering them, he gave himself another product to release later.
He's going to do the same thing with 3D - we'll get the OT as the Special Edition blu-rays; then a few years later we'll get the 3D Special Edition blu-rays; then a few years later we'll get the OT remastered blu-rays; then we'll get the OT unaltered 3D remasters. That's 4 sets of releases for basically the same thing. And he knows we'll buy all 4.
By creating the Special Editions, Lucas devised a brilliant plan on how to keep the money coming in for years from what's basically the same product.
Last edited by Ignohippo; 04-27-11 at 01:16 PM.
04-27-11, 03:06 PM
#980
DVD Talk Legend
re: Star Wars
Actually, there's a huge reason financially for him to hold onto the unaltered OT. An unaltered but remastered OT is the holy grail. Lucas knows that we'll buy the Special Editions, only to buy the movies again if he ever comes out with the OT in an unaltered but beautifully remastered state.
He didn't put the unaltered OT on the DVD releases as a "bonus," he put them on there because he knew most Star Wars fans had already purchased the box set and he got us all to buy the same movies again. By not remastering them, he gave himself another product to release later.
http://www.filmbuffonline.com/Editor...alStarWars.htm
In October 2003 the City of the Angels Film Festival in Los Angeles held a screening series entitled “Century of Cinema” which showcased 13 films that helped to define, shape or change film... The one film that was picked to represent the entire 1970s was Star Wars... Unfortunately, Lucas would not allow the original version of Star Wars to screen, only releasing a print of the “Special Edition.”
Prints from the original version were recalled from circulation, and Lucasfilm only lent out 35mm prints of the Special Edition. When American Cinemateque screened the film with a Q&A with model-maker Lorne Peterson as part of their tribute to ILM’s pioneering FX, they were forced to screen a version of the film that only contained roughly 30% of that original groundbreaking work!
04-28-11, 01:13 AM
#981
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re: Star Wars
All I meant was that there isn't a financial disincentive for him to release the unaltered trilogy. Several on this thread, like lamphorn and Mabuse, suggested the he's not releasing the unaltered because he's have to pay Marcia for them. I don't buy that particular line of reasoning.
I honestly wish I could believe that Lucas is just being a shrewd businessman, and he's just holding off on releasing the unaltered versions, but that doesn't explain actions like these:
http://www.filmbuffonline.com/Editor...alStarWars.htm
http://www.obsessedwithfilm.com/spec...#ixzz1Kkuq441r
What's the business sense in not even loaning out a print of the unaltered version to be viewed by a few hundred people?
I honestly wish I could believe that Lucas is just being a shrewd businessman, and he's just holding off on releasing the unaltered versions, but that doesn't explain actions like these:
http://www.filmbuffonline.com/Editor...alStarWars.htm
http://www.obsessedwithfilm.com/spec...#ixzz1Kkuq441r
What's the business sense in not even loaning out a print of the unaltered version to be viewed by a few hundred people?
I don't think it was Lucas' original intention when the Special Editions were created, but I do think:
(a) he honestly thought he was improving the films
(b) it was a way to create buzz around a stale product
(c) he wanted to experiment and see if ILM could pull off the new CGI elements as a test for all of the CGI work he wanted to do in the prequels
(d) he wanted the budgets from the Special Editions to help pay for his CGI tests
Since they came out and all of the debate has ensued, he now knows what a lucritive product he has with the unaltered OT. By continuing the company line that they will never be released, it adds to the mistique and demand once they finally are released (remember, he stated many times that they would never be released but then put them in as a bonus to the individual DVD releases).
I certainly wouldn't underestimate his shrewdness when it comes to the marketing and plans for these films. He knows that even if he never produces anything new again, the OT can keep money coming in for years and years.
If he really wanted to, he could hold off on the Blu-ray releases until the 3d versions are done and put them all out together. He doesn't want that. From my count, he has at least 6 opportunities to distribute these films as different products:
(1) blu-ray releases of SE set
(2) blu-ray releases of individual films
(3) theatrical releases of 3d SEs
(4) blu-ray releases of 3d SEs
(5) blu-ray releases of remastered yet unaltered OT
(6) blu-ray releases of 3d versions of the remastered yet unaltered OT
Don't be surprised if someday we also see a hybrid between the SEs and the originals, especially if blu-ray branching gets perfected and viewers can choose what scenes they want from each.
And that's only for the short term. Who knows what kind of next-gen technology will be out there in 10 years (like glasses-free 3d, etc.). Then he'll just do it all over again.
This is off topic but he's getting it right where Disney's getting it wrong. Why come out with Lion King in 3d on blu-ray now? Come out with the regular version on blu first, and then come out with the 3d version in a couple of years. Disney's cheating themselves out of an entire product release!
04-28-11, 07:44 AM
#982
DVD Talk Legend
re: Star Wars
Since they came out and all of the debate has ensued, he now knows what a lucritive product he has with the unaltered OT. By continuing the company line that they will never be released, it adds to the mistique and demand once they finally are released (remember, he stated many times that they would never be released but then put them in as a bonus to the individual DVD releases).
In regards to the bonus DVD, I've read that Lucas was resistant to releasing even that and had to be talked into it. Even then, the main reason it got released was because little to no cost/effort was involved. the laserdisc master already existed, so all that was needed was a minor alteration to the Star Wars title crawl (already transferred for the making-of doc), and authoring to DVD. It also helped curb bootlegging, since now there was an official release that was at least as good as whatever the bootlegs used as a source (typically the laserdiscs).
A Blu-ray release would require at least a new transfer, and probably some restoration, and Lucas just doesn't appear to be interested in that at all.
04-30-11, 12:55 AM
#985
re: Star Wars
I still think if and when we see the originals on Blu they will not require remastering, Lucas will just throw uncompressed editions of the LD transfers onto the extras, again.
04-30-11, 03:30 PM
#987
DVD Talk Gold Edition
re: Star Wars
You're late, that was on April 1st.
AFTER CONTINUED PUBLIC INTEREST
STAR WARS THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL - ENHANCED EDITION TM
FINALLY COMING TO BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 17TH, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: One of the most requested Lucasfilm releases ever: Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM arrives on Blu-ray. Fans worldwide will be able to pre-order in late September for $29.99 US $34.99 Canadian. Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM will also be available as a digital download.
An exclusive autographed edition limited to 1,978 units will be available through www.starwarsshop.com. Signatories include: Ben Burtt, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Carrie Fisher.
The first 100 orders placed will also receive a double sided collectors postcard set featuring concept art by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston.
Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM features the highest possible picture and audio transfers. This release has been substantially re-edited and remastered by Lucasfilm legend Ben Burtt. Star Wars fans will be excited to learn that several minutes of all new digital visual effects have been created for this version: including the replacement of previous visual effects shots originally lifted from Episode IV: A New Hope. Exterior shots on the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk have been upgraded to reflect its appearance in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The variety segments have also been updated to enhance their appeal to a contemporary audience.
Included with Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM is a bonus disc containing more than three hours of special features. Including; deleted scenes and alternate takes, 'Fallen Empire' a 50 minute long documentary containing rare footage, plus cast and crew interviews, many of whom speak candidly about their thoughts on the original special.
Three 8 minute production featurettes have been produced especially for this release:
- 'Inside Nelvana' A visit to the Canadian animation studio during the production of 'The Faithful Wookiee' animated segment
- 'A long time ago' A retrospective on the TV variety shows of the 1970's.
- 'Fabricating fuzzballs' On the challenge of designing and building Chewbacca's family.
Also included is a 48 page book 'The Making of the Holiday Special' showcasing extensive behind the scenes imagery. Further information regarding related merchandising and promotional materials to follow.
STAR WARS THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL - ENHANCED EDITION TM
FINALLY COMING TO BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 17TH, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: One of the most requested Lucasfilm releases ever: Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM arrives on Blu-ray. Fans worldwide will be able to pre-order in late September for $29.99 US $34.99 Canadian. Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM will also be available as a digital download.
An exclusive autographed edition limited to 1,978 units will be available through www.starwarsshop.com. Signatories include: Ben Burtt, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Carrie Fisher.
The first 100 orders placed will also receive a double sided collectors postcard set featuring concept art by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston.
Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM features the highest possible picture and audio transfers. This release has been substantially re-edited and remastered by Lucasfilm legend Ben Burtt. Star Wars fans will be excited to learn that several minutes of all new digital visual effects have been created for this version: including the replacement of previous visual effects shots originally lifted from Episode IV: A New Hope. Exterior shots on the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk have been upgraded to reflect its appearance in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The variety segments have also been updated to enhance their appeal to a contemporary audience.
Included with Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM is a bonus disc containing more than three hours of special features. Including; deleted scenes and alternate takes, 'Fallen Empire' a 50 minute long documentary containing rare footage, plus cast and crew interviews, many of whom speak candidly about their thoughts on the original special.
Three 8 minute production featurettes have been produced especially for this release:
- 'Inside Nelvana' A visit to the Canadian animation studio during the production of 'The Faithful Wookiee' animated segment
- 'A long time ago' A retrospective on the TV variety shows of the 1970's.
- 'Fabricating fuzzballs' On the challenge of designing and building Chewbacca's family.
Also included is a 48 page book 'The Making of the Holiday Special' showcasing extensive behind the scenes imagery. Further information regarding related merchandising and promotional materials to follow.
04-30-11, 05:32 PM
#989
re: Star Wars
Thanks LMM.. this is Frakkin hilarious... 33 years earlier on that date.. November 17, 1978 (notice the amount of limited copies)... too funny....
btw.. for more images, etc.. please see:
http://www.starwarsholidayspecial.com/
btw.. for more images, etc.. please see:
http://www.starwarsholidayspecial.com/
You're late, that was on April 1st.
AFTER CONTINUED PUBLIC INTEREST
STAR WARS THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL - ENHANCED EDITION TM
FINALLY COMING TO BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 17TH, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: One of the most requested Lucasfilm releases ever: Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM arrives on Blu-ray. Fans worldwide will be able to pre-order in late September for $29.99 US $34.99 Canadian. Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM will also be available as a digital download.
An exclusive autographed edition limited to 1,978 units will be available through www.starwarsshop.com. Signatories include: Ben Burtt, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Carrie Fisher.
The first 100 orders placed will also receive a double sided collectors postcard set featuring concept art by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston.
Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM features the highest possible picture and audio transfers. This release has been substantially re-edited and remastered by Lucasfilm legend Ben Burtt. Star Wars fans will be excited to learn that several minutes of all new digital visual effects have been created for this version: including the replacement of previous visual effects shots originally lifted from Episode IV: A New Hope. Exterior shots on the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk have been upgraded to reflect its appearance in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The variety segments have also been updated to enhance their appeal to a contemporary audience.
Included with Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM is a bonus disc containing more than three hours of special features. Including; deleted scenes and alternate takes, 'Fallen Empire' a 50 minute long documentary containing rare footage, plus cast and crew interviews, many of whom speak candidly about their thoughts on the original special.
Three 8 minute production featurettes have been produced especially for this release:
- 'Inside Nelvana' A visit to the Canadian animation studio during the production of 'The Faithful Wookiee' animated segment
- 'A long time ago' A retrospective on the TV variety shows of the 1970's.
- 'Fabricating fuzzballs' On the challenge of designing and building Chewbacca's family.
Also included is a 48 page book 'The Making of the Holiday Special' showcasing extensive behind the scenes imagery. Further information regarding related merchandising and promotional materials to follow.
STAR WARS THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL - ENHANCED EDITION TM
FINALLY COMING TO BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 17TH, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: One of the most requested Lucasfilm releases ever: Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM arrives on Blu-ray. Fans worldwide will be able to pre-order in late September for $29.99 US $34.99 Canadian. Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM will also be available as a digital download.
An exclusive autographed edition limited to 1,978 units will be available through www.starwarsshop.com. Signatories include: Ben Burtt, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Carrie Fisher.
The first 100 orders placed will also receive a double sided collectors postcard set featuring concept art by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston.
Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM features the highest possible picture and audio transfers. This release has been substantially re-edited and remastered by Lucasfilm legend Ben Burtt. Star Wars fans will be excited to learn that several minutes of all new digital visual effects have been created for this version: including the replacement of previous visual effects shots originally lifted from Episode IV: A New Hope. Exterior shots on the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk have been upgraded to reflect its appearance in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The variety segments have also been updated to enhance their appeal to a contemporary audience.
Included with Star Wars the Holiday Special - Enhanced Edition TM is a bonus disc containing more than three hours of special features. Including; deleted scenes and alternate takes, 'Fallen Empire' a 50 minute long documentary containing rare footage, plus cast and crew interviews, many of whom speak candidly about their thoughts on the original special.
Three 8 minute production featurettes have been produced especially for this release:
- 'Inside Nelvana' A visit to the Canadian animation studio during the production of 'The Faithful Wookiee' animated segment
- 'A long time ago' A retrospective on the TV variety shows of the 1970's.
- 'Fabricating fuzzballs' On the challenge of designing and building Chewbacca's family.
Also included is a 48 page book 'The Making of the Holiday Special' showcasing extensive behind the scenes imagery. Further information regarding related merchandising and promotional materials to follow.
04-30-11, 06:39 PM
#991
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re: Star Wars
So, what are the odds that once the 3D films are over and done with, good ol George will release another Blu-ray box set of the 3D films, and include extras that can't be found on our current upcoming release?
04-30-11, 07:56 PM
#993
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
re: Star Wars
Probably, but that would be in 6+ yrs... so, the question is are you willing to spend $80-90 to enjoy the films in HD until then. Despite the repackaging the DVD sets got every few yrs, there were only two releases with different content, and the second one was hardly worth buying. (the release with "bonus" originals)
04-30-11, 08:31 PM
#994
DVD Talk Legend
re: Star Wars
Do people here even want the 3D versions? Judging from all the complaints about 3D post-processing for theatrical films, or even 3D in general to some extent, I'm surprised there is interest. I wouldn't touch such fake conversions with a ten-foot pole.
04-30-11, 08:37 PM
#995
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
re: Star Wars
And, no, I would have very little interest in a 3D home video release. I may take a peek at the theatrical releases, but I have no desire to explore 3D at home.
04-30-11, 10:40 PM
#997
DVD Talk Hero
04-30-11, 10:46 PM
#998
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
re: Star Wars
My first crushes were on Sandy Duncan and Catherine Bach. The really weird part is, my crush on Sandy Duncan was predicated on her animated appearances on Scooby-Doo. I am not making up a word of this.
05-01-11, 06:25 AM
#999
DVD Talk Special Edition
05-02-11, 02:03 PM
#1000
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