Arguably the most iconic series in cinematic history, Star Wars still enjoys massive success and popularity despite being a saga that is well over 30 years old. The creator of the six-part series, George Lucas, is among one of the richest men in the world for his creation of this imaginative concept that appeals to audiences of all ages around the world.
From 1977 to 1983, the “original trilogy” of Star Wars was released, consisting of Episodes IV-VI. After this, fans had to wait 16 years before they would see the next trilogy to complete the series. Finally, viewers were given Episodes I-III between 1999 and 2005, which many enthusiasts ultimately felt were not worth the wait.
With a fan base numbered in the millions, Lucas was bound to receive some animosity from fans eventually. In 2004, Lucas released the original trilogy on DVD for the first time ever. Many fans were disappointed with the release since Lucas altered his classic films with updated special effects and many enhanced aspects that were not included in the original releases.
Fans argued that many of the additions were not necessary and that the films should be seen in their original form. As hard as fans ranted about their displeasure, it was to no avail. For whatever reason, Lucas has decided to release the films on Blu-Ray , but only in their undesired altered versions.
Not only has Lucas released the updated versions of the originals, he also added new alterations specifically for the Blu-Ray . Some of these additions include new audio from Darth Vader, a myriad of new and improved special effects, and even the inclusion of a few entirely new short sequences. As expected, the Star Wars fan base erupted with contempt and outrage over Lucas’ controversial decision.
Fans do have a right to be upset over the adjustments since the films are considered pop culture classics that have extreme significance to the film industry. Tom Wallis, professor of English and film studies, finds that fan outrage is acceptable in this circumstance.
“It’s a travesty,” Wallis said of the modifications.
Though he is not a hardcore fan of the series himself, Wallis can certainly sympathize with the fans.
“I understand the historical importance of the films,” Wallis said. “Really the whole issue comes from the idea that there can be a definitive version.”
Wallis is referring to that fact that, upon home video release, directors have the right to alter their films the way they want the audience to see it; for example, they can release a director’s cut on DVD.
“These new digital formats are just another way the industry tries to create artificial demand for older material,” Wallis said. “This alternative version goes along with the whole mentality that you have to change something in order to keep the demand alive.”
This issue of modifying films for home video release is really where the origin of Lucas’ fan problem comes from. However, Star Wars being released on Blu-Ray isn’t the problem; the problem is what Lucas is doing to the films themselves.
Christopher Lawing, a freshman majoring in Industrial Design, also seems to disagree with Lucas’ decision.
“There is definitely nothing wrong with the Star Wars series coming out on the Blu-Ray format,” Lawing said. “However, with George Lucas altering some of the content of the Star Wars series for the Blu-Ray release, he begins to take away pieces of the movies that the diehard fans love. They are diehard fans for a reason: they love the original content.”
Interestingly, Lucas was once as strongly opposed to film alterations of any kind. In 1988, media mogul Ted Turner purchased the rights to the beloved film Citizen Kane and intended on re-mastering the classic in color. Lucas publicly spoke out against this idea.
“People who alter or destroy works of art and our cultural heritage for profit or as an exercise of power are barbarians,” Lucas said.
“There is definitely a sense of hypocrisy in terms of what he’s doing,” Wallis said.
There is no doubt about this; Lucas is contradicting himself due to his past stance on film altering and his present actions regarding the issue.
Lucas does have a right to alter these films because, after all, they are his films. If he wants to change some aspects of the series to make them more up to his standards, as he is doing now, then no one can tell him otherwise; it is his property. However, the fact that he is not giving the fans what they want is somewhat surprising.
Lucas will do whatever he wants to his films and fans will have to accept this fact, but most Star Wars devotees refuse these terms. Unfortunately, Lucas has never mentioned any intention on releasing the films on Blu-Ray in their original glory. The controversy surrounding this decision is paramount and fans may never understand any of Lucas’ reasoning.
