I can't remember if it was before COVID or during, so I will say that it's been about 5 years (give or take) since I saw the original versions of the trilogy. They were those limited edition DVDs released almost 20 years ago.
Last time was probably when I saw the ~1993 era VHS boxed set as a teenager. I bought the VHS Special Edition (or rather probably got it for Christmas) in 1997 but even that went away quickly since DVD came not to long after that.
Yeah, same for me. I had, and still have, that last VHS boxed set. Then I got the SEs on VHS, then bought the DVDs. I think the real question is going to be, are we going to get a proper 1977 cut on 4K blu-ray?
You'd think the execs at the House of Mouse would have figured out already that there is a huge market for that and milked it for all its worth...but apparently not.
So I have had a theory for a while that George was able to retain some veto rights, for lack of a better word, in the sale to Disney. One of them being what version of the OT is shown in theaters. Or at least there was something in the sale contract regarding this topic. There are valid questions about Disney's stewardship of Star Wars. But you can't tell me that Dave Filoni and Kathleen Kennedy don't know that releasing the original versions of the OT Into theaters would make a ton of money.
Disney does have rules regarding showing the OT in theaters, just beyond it has to be the Special Editions. The movies were back in the theaters around May the 4th this year. The Texas Theatre was showing them all and had a host doing a little talk before each screening, and he said they were able to get the movies because they were a historic theater. I'm, not sure about the rest of the country, but the 3 times I've seen the OT in Dallas, two were at the Texas Theatre and one was at the Majestic. Both are historical theaters, it wasn't at an AMC or an Alamo.
That's interesting. In a way it makes sense, but at the same time, with a fanbase as big as Star Wars, it feels like money being left on the table. We're all suckers for stuff like this. Maybe going back to the point I think you made in your post, Disney does (or at least did) the vault method of releasing films periodically better than anyone.
The last time I saw the OG was sometime in 1978, the last of the 26 times I paid to watch it at a theater.
I have seen the "de-specialized" fan edit since, but that doesn't really count.
26 times?! As Lord Vader would say, "most impressive."
Mom was more than happy to get rid of me for a couple hours on Saturday afternoons. 😁
I can't remember if it was before COVID or during, so I will say that it's been about 5 years (give or take) since I saw the original versions of the trilogy. They were those limited edition DVDs released almost 20 years ago.
That's still pretty impressive to have seen the original cuts within the last 5ish year. I bet the vast majority of Star Wars fans can't say the same.
The original version might be worth a trip to the theater. I doubt I've seen it since the mid-90s or so.
Star Wars on the big screen is always worth a trip to the theater.
Can't argue with that!
I’m excited for you and your newsletter.
Same!
Last time was probably when I saw the ~1993 era VHS boxed set as a teenager. I bought the VHS Special Edition (or rather probably got it for Christmas) in 1997 but even that went away quickly since DVD came not to long after that.
Yeah, same for me. I had, and still have, that last VHS boxed set. Then I got the SEs on VHS, then bought the DVDs. I think the real question is going to be, are we going to get a proper 1977 cut on 4K blu-ray?
You'd think the execs at the House of Mouse would have figured out already that there is a huge market for that and milked it for all its worth...but apparently not.
So I have had a theory for a while that George was able to retain some veto rights, for lack of a better word, in the sale to Disney. One of them being what version of the OT is shown in theaters. Or at least there was something in the sale contract regarding this topic. There are valid questions about Disney's stewardship of Star Wars. But you can't tell me that Dave Filoni and Kathleen Kennedy don't know that releasing the original versions of the OT Into theaters would make a ton of money.
Disney does have rules regarding showing the OT in theaters, just beyond it has to be the Special Editions. The movies were back in the theaters around May the 4th this year. The Texas Theatre was showing them all and had a host doing a little talk before each screening, and he said they were able to get the movies because they were a historic theater. I'm, not sure about the rest of the country, but the 3 times I've seen the OT in Dallas, two were at the Texas Theatre and one was at the Majestic. Both are historical theaters, it wasn't at an AMC or an Alamo.
That's interesting. In a way it makes sense, but at the same time, with a fanbase as big as Star Wars, it feels like money being left on the table. We're all suckers for stuff like this. Maybe going back to the point I think you made in your post, Disney does (or at least did) the vault method of releasing films periodically better than anyone.