I’ve reviewed this film before, but this review is based on the new DVD release of the film. What struck me this, my zillionth or so, viewing of the film is director George Lucas’ brilliant attention to detail. Sci-fi before STAR WARS never had a lived in feel. Before STAR WARS, the buildings and vehicle were shiny and perfect like they were just put into use right before the film took place. The world of STAR WARS sucks you in because you instantly and subconsciously sense a history that is new and original. Lucas truly created a new world.
He makes the characters iconic without being ironic. The characters are strong types, but human enough that we care about what they care about. Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO are all household names. And the actors who played them, whether they like it or not, are synonymous with those roles.
For the new DVDs, Lucas cleaned up the look of the film and tweaked some visual effects that were not perfect from the original special edition of the film. All the new tweaks are positive. The horrid decision to have the bounty hunter Greedo shoot at Han first in the Cantina scene has been vehemently lambasted by die-hard fans. The rendition of the scene makes it look like a simultaneous gun battle, which is a million times better than the special edition version, but still not as good as the original where Han casually blows Greedo away to save himself.
The Jabba scene that was added in the special edition has been cleaned up with a better looking computer generated Jabba. However, the scene still does not work because Han steps on Jabba, who is supposed to be the meanest gangster in the universe. Would some smuggler get away with purposely stepping on Don Corleone’s toes?
Even if we may never get to see the original 1977 version of the film again, the new version is still a masterpiece. Tinkering with old films is common now. With new technology, filmmakers have the ability to perfect their work from the past. Lucas is trying to ensure that his film looks the best it can for future audiences. This works wonderfully when it adds to the story. Making locations like Mos Esley space station look more expansive and alive is enchanting, but weakening character development that was wonderful in the original is stupid.
By no means, do the changes ruin the film, but this is a world that many fans have lived in for years with great joy. In changing the way these beloved characters behave is like telling fans that their best friend is really a figment of their imagination. They still look the same, but now there’s something strangely different about them. So Han never just blew Greedo away and the war in Iraq was never about WMDs. This is the “new reality.” But I digress. Despite all the changes, the film is still a landmark film. It changed sci-fi and speed up the pace of editing to exciting levels. And first and foremost, it’s fun, but never dumb.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
