The Force is With Star Wars on DVD

The STAR WARS trilogy is finally debuting on DVD in a four-disc set on Sept. 21, 2004 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Ent. (for an estimated retail price of $50). All three movies, STAR WARS, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI - a.k.a. EPISODES IV, V AND VI - are the special editions that have been digitally restored and remastered. Per George Lucas' request, the original theatrical versions will not be included, to the dismay of many fans. The fourth disc will contain bonus features, including audio commentary from Lucas and other filmmakers, a comprehensive feature-length documentary on the making of the blockbuster trilogy and never-before-seen footage from the making of all three movies.

The films of the STAR WARS TRILOGY will be available exclusively as a collection and will feature Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX.

"We know how long fans have waited for this release and how much they have been looking forward to it, so everyone has been working overtime to make sure that the STAR WARS TRILOGY on DVD is an awesome experience," said Jim Ward, vp of marketing and distribution for Lucasfilm and the DVD collection's exec producer.

The timing of the release - the most requested DVD ever - is intended to take advantage of the fact that DVD penetration has reached more than 50 million households, and to create buzz for next year's concluding EPISODE III. Presumably there will be some teaser bonus material included as well.