Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas' revisions of Star Wars movies have frustrated fans
– Lucas cites making the best possible movie as a reason for his changes
– The director defends the Special Editions as they reflect his vision of the films
The Star Wars series, masterminded by George Lucas, is an unquestioned pop culture phenomenon. However, one aspect that keeps making headlines is Lucas' constant tinkering with the movies, even after their release. This has sparked significant debates among fans, who claim that the versions they have on their Blu-ray or DVD are often different from the ones they watched in the theater.
Lucas' Love for Alterations
Known for his perfectionistic streak, Lucas often revises his movies for re-releases, which means fans seldom get to see the original version again. Speaking with Matthew Wood, the supervising sound editor, Lucas acknowledged the fans' disdain for this practice. The filmmaker, however, seems unable to stop himself from refining his work, even years after its initial release.
From small modifications to significant edits, Lucas has made adjustments in different Star Wars episodes. In his defense, he stated, “Changes are not unusual. Almost every movie undergoes alterations at some point. But for some reason, when I do it, it becomes a point of contention.”
Defending the Star Wars Special Editions
The Special Editions of the original Star Wars trilogy are a prime example of Lucas' tendency to revise. Released in 1997, these editions elicited mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Lucas, however, stated that he was happy with the remastered versions as he was finally able to incorporate elements that he wanted to add back in the day but was unable to.
In a 1999 interview, Lucas explained, “The special editions were a means of researching and testing my concepts. Also, they allowed me to make the movies more like how I wanted them to be.”
Lucas and His Artistic Vision
According to Lucas, the changes were never about altering the storyline but enhancing the overall look and feel of the movies. His essential argument is that the original versions were just prototypes, and his drive is to improve them until they reach a state of perfection. His focus lies in refining the movies, spotting the issues, and then releasing them as special editions once he's satisfied.
For fans, this could mean having to adjust their perspectives towards Lucas' films. The originals may be revered, but according to Lucas, it's his ongoing revisions that make Star Wars truly seismic.
While fans continue debating over Lucas' tendency to change his movies continually, the director remains unswerved in his pursuit of cinematic perfection. Star Wars is available to watch on Disney+, and fans must wait and see if future revisions are in store.
Final Takeaway
George Lucas has taken film revision to a new level with his constant edits of the Star Wars movies. He doesn't deny that he rattles fans with his changes but believes he is creating the best possible versions of his films. Lucas views his movies, particularly the original versions, as stepping stones towards perfection. What remains to be seen is whether fans will eventually accept his vision or continue pining for the untouched originals.
