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Star Wars Trilogy (Widescreen Edition with Bonus Disc) | 
 enlarge | Directors: Peter Mayhew, George Lucas
Actors: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, James Earl Jones
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Category: DVD
List Price: $69.98
Buy Used: $24.28
You Save: $45.70 (65%)
New (13) Used (39) Collectible (1) from $24.28
Rating:  2202 reviews
Sales Rank: 3048
Format: Anamorphic, Box Set, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Thx, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Dubbed)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 4
Running Time: 388
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.5 x 2.5
MPN: FOXD2222341D
UPC: 024543123415
EAN: 0024543123415
ASIN: B00003CXCT
Theatrical Release Date: May 21, 1980
Release Date: September 21, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 11/01/2005 Run time: 387 minutes Rating: Pg
Amazon.com essential video
Was George Lucas's Star Wars Trilogy, the most anticipated DVD release ever, worth the wait? You bet. It's a must-have for any home theater, looking great, sounding great, and supplemented by generous bonus features. The Movies
The Star Wars Trilogy had the rare distinction of becoming a cultural phenomenon, a defining event for its generation. On its surface, George Lucas's story is a rollicking and humorous space fantasy that owes debts to more influences than one can count on two hands, but filmgoers became entranced by its basic struggle of good vs. evil "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," its dazzling special effects, and a mythology of Jedi knights, the Force, and droids. Over the course of three films--A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983)--Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and the roguish Han Solo (Harrison Ford) join the Rebel alliance in a galactic war against the Empire, the menacing Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones), and eventually the all-powerful Emperor (Ian McDiarmid). Empire is generally considered the best of the films and Jedi the most uneven, but all three are vastly superior to the more technologically impressive prequels that followed, Episode I, The Phantom Menace (1999) and Episode II, Attack of the Clones (2002). How Are the Picture and Sound?
Thanks to a new digital transfer, you've never seen C-3PO glow so golden, and Darth Vader's helmet is as black as the Dark Side.
| In a word, spectacular. Thanks to a new digital transfer, you've never seen C-3PO glow so golden, and Darth Vader's helmet is as black as the Dark Side. And at the climactic scene of A New Hope, see if the Dolby 5.1 EX sound doesn't knock you back in your chair. Other audio options are Dolby 2.0 Surround in English, Spanish, and French. (Sorry, DTS fans, but previous Star Wars DVDs didn't have DTS either.) There have been a few quibbles with the audio on A New Hope, however. A few seconds of Peter Cushing's dialogue ("Then name the system!") are distorted, and the music (but not the sound effects) is reversed in the rear channels. For example, in the final scene, the brass is in the front right channel but the back left channel (from the viewer's perspective), and the strings are in the left front and back right. The result feels like the instruments are crossing through the viewer. What's Been Changed?
The rumors are true: Lucas made more changes to the films for their DVD debut. Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) has been added to a scene in Jedi, Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor) replaces Clive Revill with slightly revised lines in Empire, Temuera Morrison has rerecorded Boba Fett's minimal dialogue, and some other small details have been altered. Yes, these changes mean that the Star Wars films are no longer the ones you saw 20 years ago, but these brief changes hardly affect the films, and they do make sense in the overall continuity of the two trilogies. It's not like a digitized Ewan McGregor has replaced Alec Guiness's scenes, and the infamous changes made for the 1997 special-edition versions were much more intrusive (of course, those are in the DVD versions as well). How Are the Bonus Features?
Toplining is Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy, a 150-minute documentary incorporating not only the usual making-of nuts and bolts but also the political workings of the movie studios and the difficulties Lucas had getting his vision to the screen (for example, after resigning from the Directors' Guild, he lost his first choice for director of Jedi: Steven Spielberg). It's a little adulatory, but it has plenty to interest any fan. The three substantial featurettes are "The Characters of Star Wars" (19 min.), which discusses the development of the characters we all know and love, "The Birth of the Lightsaber" (15 min.), about the creation and evolution of a Jedi's ultimate weapon, and "The Force Is with Them: The Legacy of Star Wars" (15 min.), in which filmmakers such as Peter Jackson, Ridley Scott, and James Cameron talk about how they and the industry were affected by the films and Lucas's technological developments in visual effects, sound, and computer animation. The bonus features are excellent and along the same lines as those created for The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Each film has a commentary track, recorded by Lucas, Ben Burtt (sound design), Dennis Muren (visual effects), and Carrie Fisher, with Irvin Kershner joining in on the film he directed, The Empire Strikes Back. Recorded separately and skillfully edited together (with supertitles to identify who is speaking), the tracks lack the energy of group commentaries, but they're enjoyable and informative, with a nice mix of overall vision (Lucas), technical details (Burtt, Muren, Kershner), and actor's perspective (Fisher). Interestingly, they discuss some of the 1997 changes (Mos Eisley creatures, the new Jabba the Hutt scene) but not those made for the DVDs. There's also a sampler of the Xbox game Star Wars: Battlefront, which lets the player reenact classic film scenarios (blast Ewoks in the battle of Endor!); trailers and TV spots from the films' many releases; and a nine-minute preview of the last film in the series, Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (here identified by an earlier working title, The Return of Darth Vader). Small extra touches include anamorphic widescreen motion menus with dialogue, original poster artwork on the discs, and a whopping 50 chapter stops for each film. "The Force Is Strong with This One"
The Star Wars Trilogy is an outstanding DVD set that lives up to the anticipation. There will always be resentment that the original versions of the films are not available as well, but George Lucas maintains that these are the versions he always wanted to make. If fans are able to put this debate aside, they can enjoy the adventures of Luke, Leia, and Han for years to come. --David Horiuchi
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2197 more reviews...
 This Trilogy Package Rocks November 27, 2006
34 out of 38 found this review helpful
I remember being about 5 or 6 years old when I saw my first Star Wars movie in the early 1980s. I also remember running to the back of the theater screaming when Darth Vader appeared on the screen. Mother had to come get me as I was trying to hide behind a poor couple's seats.
Now I am 30 years old and had the chance to see the digital re-makes and upgrades that George Lucas did over the years, plus his legendary prequels over that same time. The news about Lucas Films digitizing everything (including the first movies) around the time Episode I was released only intensified the fervor of Star Wars mania some 20 years later.
Now that I am a respectable and employed adult, I decided to drop my cash on this fine trilogy as I wanted the first movies for my home set. I knew what I was getting into: these are not the original releases. For me, I prefer that, because watching 1970s and 80s technology is not as appealing to me as 2000's technology. And besides, these movies now tell a better story as a result of George Lucas' upgrades.
So let me review the darn package after all that now!
For about $50, you get three movies and a bonus disc. That means each disc will cost you a little more than $12 each, together.
If you are wondering if the bonus disc is worth $12, I would give an emphatic Yes. The disc chronicles the making of the movie and all the side business, the science of creating the movie, and actors'/directors'/etc. viewpoints on the whole thing. It lasts over 240 minutes, and every drop of information will rile even the slightest Star Wars fans.
Next, on the question of digitization, the three films (Episodes 4 - 6) not only had a slick digital transfer (making them compatible with today's machinery and offering the capability to excel over yesteryear), but they revamped certain scenes that could have used the facelift.
For example, now the speeder coming into the Mos Eisley spaceport doesn't look like it was a 1977 carousel. It actually looks futuristic in its movement. Also, they replaced Anikan Skywalker with Hayden Christensen instead of the original fellow when his ghost looks upon Luke at the end of Return of the Jedi. (That was the best addition/change, I think.)
I like action/adventure movies, so the digital upgrades Lucas did are welcomed by me. I know there are purists out there, but they tend to follow a religion more than the excitement of the movie. (Reminds me of people who do not like the Designated Hitter in baseball, now that I think about it. But I digress.)
To close, I recommend the purchase of this trilogy if you were in my situation: you didn't have any of these movies. And I mean the digitized versions. Get them. The old ones are collectibles, but if you want a completed collection to show your kids, this trilogy fills the gaps, and the bonus disc is worth it as well. Also, if you can beat $12 per disc individually to complete your collection, I'd say go that route instead, though you may have to forego the bonus disc.
Can't Get Enough! August 15, 2000
42 out of 48 found this review helpful
How is it possible that I have now bought the exact same (well, almost) movies on video tape for now the FOURTH TIME? Yes, I'm one of those people who own the original letterbox release, the letterbox THX release, and the letterbox Special Edition box set. Now, as soon as Mr. Lucas announces yet another marketing of the Holy Trilogy, I'm there with my credit card on Amazon.com! Heck, I don't even BUY video cassettes anymore, I have a DVD player! Why do I keep shelling out hard earned dollars for the same movies?Well, if you really need to ask that question, you're obviously not a Star Wars fan. Without a doubt, there movies have become immortal for one reason: they have ressurected the myth genre. While the Greeks and Romans had their famous mythologies, Aesop had his fables, and the Britsh had King Arthur, the last generation of the 20th Century has Star Wars. We were raised on Star Wars. Dreams of becoming a Jedi were as common as future proffessions such as doctor or policeman back at my grade school. I doubt a day went by between my fourth and tenth years of life where the accolades of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, R2 and 3PO weren't acted out in my daily play with my friends. We didn't play "Cowboys and Indians." We played "Rebels and Imperials." We didn't have gun fights, we battled each other with whatever could substitute for a lightsaber. In retrospect, now that I'm all grwon up, I'm thankful for Lucas for what he gave me. These movies laid of a simple play of good versus evil. In the end, the quest for virtue will always triumph over the greed of evil. They also taught me that if you believe in yourself and have faith a higher power, you can accomplish anything. For this, you will see me ordering this trilogy every time it is released. Not just for the "Episode II Behind-The-Scenes" stuff, but basically to give the well-worn copies I already own a break. Thank you, Mr. Lucas. You've brought great joy into my life and helped to teach me the values I have today. Though I don't have children yet, I'm sure that when they come along, they will be living out the same fantasies I did a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... P.S. Where's the DVDs?
Improvement over the Special Editions September 16, 2004
25 out of 28 found this review helpful
I have just received and watched the DVD trilogy back-to-back. I grew up with Star Wars (was 11 when the first one came out) and must admit that nostalgia is a powerful thing. It is great to have all 3 films in one handy package ... but if Lucas is not going to rerelease the films in their original versions, then you had better hang on to your old laserdiscs and VHS tapes and I don't mean the Special Editions!
That said however, the DVDs are an improvement, if only slightly, over the Special Editions. My two biggest qualms with them have been rectified, one fully and the other partially. The former was Luke's scream as he jumped and fell in Cloud City - they have removed it entirely. The inclusion of the scream (it didn't even sound like him) in the Special Edition took away Luke's integrity ... remember, jumping was his own choice. Second was the controversial Greedo shooting Han first scene in the Cantina. This time, Han and Greedo trade shots almost simultaneously which is a compromise of sorts.
What does this all mean? Together with some other minor changes, it looks like Lucas does listen to the fans. Remember what happened to Jar-Jar in AOTC? His role was drastically reduced. However, do not get your hopes too high for the release of the trilogy in its original form. For all you know, even if Lucas were to accede to our requests, the original masters may have completely deteriorated. So, probably what we would now want is the trilogy in its original narrative form but with spruced up audio and visuals ... food for thought! Did everyone also realise that The Phantom Menace DVD is not the original movie version? There are additional minor scenes in that one ... so hang on to your Japanese Laserdisc if you have it!
I have no complaints with regards to the audio and visual quality of the DVDs, they are close to perfect. The most controversial addition must be the replacement of Sebastian Shaw with Hayden's Force Spirit at the end of ROTJ. Before we go ahead to slam Lucas, I am confident that it is the result of a major plot point in Revenge of the Sith ... and will be explained fully (if you think hard enough or participated in the forums such as the one on TheForce.Net, you would be able to realise why).
Well, I have bought the DVDs, watched them and have no regrets, even knowing that I may have to buy them all over again, especially if they came out on High Definition. Staunch Supporter or Foolish Fan? You decide.
Mixed feelings April 12, 2005
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
Ah, yes, the much talked about Star Wars Trilogy DVDs.
Personally, I'm happy to have any version of the films available on DVD. And indeed the visual and audio quality is superb - the old VHS editions just don't do the films justice.
Now the real problem emerges when you start talking about Lucas's changes. First he comes out with the "Special Editions" in 1997. We get CGI stuff added to Mos Eisley. These effects are cheesy, and you can tell they're from '96 or '97. Although Star Wars fans grimaced, we probably could have tolerated it if Lucas had stopped there.
But no - he decided to tinker his movies further with this DVD release. He gets rid of Boba Fett's awesome original voice, instead using the guy from Attack of the Clones who played Jango. He adds a ridiculous scene in Jabba's lair with some CGI weirdo. I would say this scene is worse than anything Jar Jar Binks ever did/said on screen (which is saying a lot).
Even with all this stuff, SW fans STILL would probably accept the films...but then Lucas adds Christiansen at the end of Return of the Jedi. I personally don't really mind...but I don't understand it either. What difference does it make if Christiansen or Sebastian Shaw is seen at the end? Why not replace Alec Guiness with Ewan McGregor too? It just doesn't make any sense.
In my mind this whole debate would go away if Lucas would just release the original versions on DVD. Then fans could choose for themselves. I think they will, someday. Lucas at first was reluctant to put even these versions on DVD, but he was forced to when people were getting them by bootleg. Same thing is going to happen with the originals. Lucas is going to cave someday and release them...maybe at the same time he releases a "super" set with all six episodes.
Lucas has said these are his movies and he can do what he wants with them, and that's fine. But I think any more alterations to the movies will cause open revolt against Lucas :)
I love the movies, and if this is the only version I can have on DVD then I guess I'll live with it.
A Masterpiece Now and For All Time March 10, 2000
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
"May the Force Be With You Always"Obi-One KenobiGeorge Lucas's unforgettable Star Wars is one of the most influential, mythically engaging, and highly enjoyable science fiction films of all time. Though it can be said that Lucas borrowed cinematic ideas from Akira Kurosaka (Hidden Fortress), Howard Hawks, and John Ford (The Searchers). Does Star Wars really deserve to be called too simplistic or underserving of all it's popularity? NO NO NO! , Star Wars is modern film myth that has engaged its fans in its timeless tale for the last 23 years. What the Star Wars Haters need to realize is that we the fans find this wonderful myth of good, evil, fate, and destiny to be one of the most enlightening and blissful voyages that the movies have ever given us. Star Wars is a tribute to the power and expressiveness of the movies. What make Star Wars so superior to the numerous clones that followed it is despite its magnificent special effects, that defined a new age in Sci/Fi, the film's characters, mythos, and epic story are what made Star Wars so universally accepted and beloved around the world. Not only have the characters of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, and R2D2 become permanent parts of movie culture. The simple yet important moral that good will eventually overcome all evil no matter the time, suffering, loss, or failure involved makes Star Wars the modern equivalent of the Wizard of Oz. It tells it's tale simply and elequently. It moves us with its images and people. It takes us to a time and place that will never leave the boundries of our memory. Star Wars is joy to behold, and anyone who feels otherwise is too stuck up to see the beauty of a universe a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. Star Wars Fans: May the Force Always Be With Each and Every One of You. I can't wait to see all the episodes on DVD.
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