New changes to ‘Star Wars’ anger fans

By Robert Rinaldo
Entertainment Editor/ Lycourier

Recently the Internet roared with outrage over the upcoming release of the “Star Wars” films on Blu-ray. George Lucas, the creator of the franchise, has again made several changes to the films in special effects, audio and even actors. These new changes have quickly turned Lucas into the ultimate villain of the “Star Wars” fan base.

The “Star Wars” franchise began on March 25, 1977, with the release of “Episode IV: A New Hope.” It has since achieved massive success, collectively earning more than $4 billion worldwide at the box office and becoming among the most influential science fiction films in history.

Unfortunately, Lucas never fully was satisfied with his masterpieces. In 1997, a special edition of the original trilogy (“Episode IV – VI”) was released on VHS with numerous changes to the films. These changes included various updates to the special effects as well as the inclusion of several scenes. The most infamous of these changes is an edited scene between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Greedo in the Mos Eisley cantina.

In 2004, Lucas released the original trilogy on DVD for the first time, but not without making even more changes to the films. Along with further updating the special effects, Lucas replaced the actors who portrayed the Emperor in “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” and Anakin Skywalker in (“Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”) with the actors who were playing them in the prequel trilogy (“Episode I – III”).

Lucas finally announced that the “Star Wars” franchise will be on Blu-ray on Friday. The set includes all six films and is filled with more than 40 hours of special features, most notably deleted scenes from the original three films, which, prior to this release, had never been seen before. Unfortunately, like all good things in the world, there is a catch.

Lucas has made another set of alterations to the films, much to the fans’ dismay. The puppet Yoda prop in “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” has been replaced with a computer-generated image similar to “Episode II – III” in order to keep the special effects on the same level throughout the prequel trilogy. Other changes include a revamped dragon cry from Obi-Wan in “Episode IV” and an enlarged front door to Jabba the Hut’s palace in “Episode VI.”

However, the change that is generating the most backlash from fans is the audio alterations. Toward the end of “Episode VI,” Darth Vader triumphantly saves his son by throwing the Emperor into the abyss. Vader now declares a resounding “NO” not once, but twice in the middle of the action. What was once a powerful scene is now tarnished with a cliché cry from the main antagonist.

Over the years, Lucas transitioned from the ultimate messiah of the “Star Wars” fan base to the devil in the flesh. Fans are confused why he is not satisfied with his films and why he continues to alter them. Has Lucas become so greedy that he will do anything to cash in on his beloved franchise? Does Lucas truly believe that he has not released the perfect films?

In either case, fans will more than likely still purchase the set even with the changes. Even if we don’t like the alterations, we will never pass up the opportunity of watching the films on Blu-ray.

We may as well get used to these changes, because Lucas will continue to make them. As long as he continues to make money, he has no reason to stop.