Video Business talks to Lucasfilm director of publicity John Singh, and confirms the reports that the original movies on the upcoming DVDs will not be high-def:
“We put a lot of time and effort into digitally restoring the negatives for the 2004 DVD releases,” Singh said. “The late ’90s theatrical versions represent George’s vision for Star Wars. We hoped that by releasing the original movies as a bonus disc, it would be a way to give the fans something that is fun. We certainly didn’t want to be become a source of frustration for fans.”
Although the prints aren’t in the best of shape, the masters used for the laserdiscs “do look good,” Singh assured.
I still don’t think it’s that big a deal, but sometimes there’s just no pleasing this fandom.
This is just bizarre. First people say that they want the original releases, pleasepleaseplease, and now they’re unhappy because they’re — wait for it — the original releases.
I am just as certain that Han shot first as the next fan. But this is getting to beyond silliness.
Star Wars fans have a higher percentage of whiners than most fandoms. Honestly. Nothing pleases people.
I wish they’d GET OVER IT!
I remain bemused.
What are they objecting to – LFL offering a wider choice? ‘Cos I can’t think of anything else.
If I was a film purist – and I was a TV producer at one time, so I can get as neepy about film and video formats as anyone, maybe more so – I’d rather like the extra option of the originals.
But so far, nobody from LFL has kicked down my door, stapled my eyelids open, made me watch the new DVDs and then debited my account without my consent. Until that happens, then this is just another choice on offer and not some affront to Universal Truth.
* joins communal sigh *