Star Wars Blu-ray (out today) upsets diehard fans

Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford in "Star Wars."

/ Lucasfilm Ltd.

(CBS) - There's a disturbance in the force. Oh, that's just the Blu-ray release of "Star Wars."

"Star Wars: The Complete Saga" on Blu-ray was released today to a sea of groans from unhappy fans and critics.

For those of you who don't know, the Star Wars expanded universe has strict rules for continuity. Anyone who writes a book, or creates a video game or cartoon has to abide by these rules. Any changes made to the original story rubs diehard fans the wrong way. We're guessing that's why so many are up in arms over changes in the Blu-ray release of "Star Wars," especially since those changes come from George Lucas himself.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga released on September 16, 2011

/ Lucasfilm Ltd.

"Nooo," that wasn't the sound of Darth Vader's new scream when saving Luke in "Return of the Jedi," that was the sound of fans reacting to the addition of "Nooo" to that scene. Fan feel like the complexities of Darth Vader's character just got killed in the third act.

Other changes include inserting a scene in "A New Hope," where R2-D2 hides behind digitally rendered rocks, Obi-Wan Kenobi's altered dragon call also in "A New Hope" and blinking Ewoks in "Return of the Jedi."

This isn't the first time the films have been changed with an update. The 1997 and 2004 were also met with resistance. It's hard to blame fans who've been devoted for over 30 years.

The original "Star Wars" was released in May 25, 1977 and has had a strong fan base ever since. The film wasn't referred to as "A New Hope" until the release of "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace," FYI.

In a review for Wired, filmmaker Jamie Benning points out what's on the minds of many fans: "What's happening here is that the prequels are contaminating the original trilogy when ironically it should be the other way round." He's got a point. The original films are what built the foundation. Why is Lucas chipping away at it? 

Let's be clear, though, a Blu-ray update of "Star Wars" is a great thing. Anything added to the expanded universe is welcome, but changing something as iconic as the original Star Wars trilogy is a tough pill to swallow.

Some may argue that it's Lucas' creation and he can do whatever he wants with it. Valid argument, it is indeed.

Ultimately, the alterations probably won't stop fans from purchasing "Star Wars" on Blu-ray. Even with all of the unwelcome additions, there is no denying the appeal of the updates and documentaries included in the set.

Final verdict: Who are we kidding? George Lucas is going to get our money. 'Nuff said. 

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Top 40 movies you must have on Blu-ray

[TheMediaFeed]

It just goes to show that people will never stop buying these things, no matter how many times Lucas tinkers with them.

At least I won't be buying them. I wrote a 2 part piece on the changes that have been made over time - check it out and see if it bothers you or not. I'm curious to know.

http://www.media-feed.com/why-i-will-not-be-purchasing-the-upcoming-star-wars-blu-ray-release/

[Gedisan]

DVD and Blu-ray compared

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL73D0707E79432801

[rf35]

I suppose $80 is not bad for 6 movies and a slew of bonus features (I might watch a few). I like it when the creator of a film uses the available technology to bring a movie closer to his original vision. Rather than grumbling and whining that it's not exactly what I remember seeing in the theater when I was little, I rejoice in the chance to discover something new and revel in the feeling of seeing it (at least part of it) for the first time.

[mask2697]

this is called a bull**** news story, notice that virtually no one actually complains about it, the minority that does is the people who still think the Earth is flat...

[tmittelstaed]

If they would include the Star Wars Holiday Special in the Blue Ray release I'd be willing to accept the changes!!!

[tablosser]

I just bought STAR WARS the Complete Saga on Blu-ray and it looks and sounds so bloody AWESOME! It's like being 9 yrs old all over again, watching Star Wars for the very first time! I own them on VHS, DVD, and now Blu-Ray and I couldn't be happier! With-out a doubt the best Blu-rays I own! I even think the addition of NOOOOOOO by Darth Vader at the end was a welcome addition, it makes the scene work much better, it makes the transition from the dark side to the light side much more Dramatic. I personally love what George Lucas has done with his Master piece! Now I still believe the Originals theatrical versions should have been included with this box set, not that I would have ever watched them. Just like I don't watch the theatrical versions of the Lord of the Rings any more, the extended versions being so much better. I watch my blu-rays on my 55 inch Samsung, LED, in company with my Marantz, Boston Acoustics, and Velodyne Home Theater... It's going to be a EPIC STAR WARS WEEKEND! Life is so Good! Thank you George Lucas!!!

[ralphing]

He already got my money for the VHS original trilogy, and the DVD set. He's not getting a dime from me for the Blue Ray's. I'll acquire the new ones the old fashioned hi-tech way.

[mask2697]

if by that you mean pirated videos then you probably shouldn't be announcing that online

[boaik]

I'm a die hard fan (I'm in my 30s--so that should give you an indication). I have zero problem with these new tweaks. Stop perpetuating the stereotype that all Star Wars fans hate Lucas and/or the prequels. It's bs fueled by a vocal, internet-savvy minority.

[ralphing]

Gotta be someone who services Lucas's jock.

[venusvegasvada]

Just ordered it a few days ago. I wish this had been noted in the advertising. I was expecting HD versions of the originals, not new versions/modified movies. I think it's ok for Mr. Lucas to get creative, but perhaps they should have simply provided the option of watching the movies as they were, or with the additions, making everyone happy.

[kurtfoster]

I'd spit on him if I saw him.

[boaik]

Congrats, you're a maniac.

[mask2697]

@kurt, don't worry Ill help you out... There is a mental clinic not to far away that offers free help...