Preview of the DVD Release

On September 21st, the original Star Wars Trilogy—the most eagerly awaited motion pictures ever for the DVD format—will finally be released by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox in the United States and Canada, with international release dates to follow shortly thereafter.

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi will be available in a four-disc set that includes a bonus disc filled with 10 hours of all-new special features—including the most comprehensive feature-length documentary ever produced about the Star Wars saga and never-before-seen footage from the making of all three films. The films also include new commentary tracks, featuring insights from George Lucas, director Irvin Kershner, actress Carrie Fisher, sound designer Ben Burtt, and Industrial Light & Magic's Dennis Muren. Each of the three films in the Star Wars Trilogy has been digitally restored and re-mastered by THX for enhanced sound and picture quality.

“First and foremost, the DVDs will deliver the very best possible sound and picture and take advantage of everything the medium can offer,” says Jim Ward, Vice President of Marketing and Distribution for Lucasfilm Ltd. and the DVD collection's Executive Producer. “On top of that, we are creating added-value material that gets inside the creation of the Star Wars films in a fresh and fun way. We want watching this DVD collection to be as memorable as seeing the movies for the first time. We know how long fans have waited for this release and how much they have been looking forward to it,” Ward adds. “So everyone has been working overtime to make sure that the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD is an awesome experience.”

The Star Wars DVDs will include the much-debated special-edition versions director Lucas released in 1997 with new digital effects—even though the DVD format makes it easy to offer both the original and director's cut of the movie. “It's simply a matter of an artist's right,” Ward explains. “We realize there's a lot of debate out there. But this is not a democracy. We love our fans, but this is about art and filmmaking. [George] has decided that the sole version he wants available is this one.”

Changes you can expect in this latest release include:

Episode IV: A New Hope: - The cantina sequence in Mos Eisley has been altered again. Greedo now fires shots at Han Solo (Harrison Ford) at the same time Solo fires back. In the original film, Solo fired first; in 1997, Lucas changed the scene to have Greedo fire first.

- Jabba the Hutt’s 1997 addition appears to have been improved, with more fluid motion.

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back:

- The hologram of the Emperor has been changed to feature actor Ian McDiarmid who played the Emperor in Return of the Jedi, and who appears in all three prequel films. The dialogue has also been altered to elucidate the progression of Luke Skywalker’s training as a Jedi, and to acknowledge the relationship between Luke and Vader.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi:

- Hayden Christensen now portrays Anakin Skywalker’s ghostly image in the final scenes of the film, alongside Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Nevertheless, Sebastian Shaw still remains as the face of Darth Vader/Anakin in the scene in which Luke removes Vader's helmet aboard the Death Star.

- Naboo has been added to the celebration at the film’s end.
Finally, where necessary, in all three films the light-saber duels have been improved with computer animation, which means you will no longer be able to pick out the actual light-saber prop held by the actors.

Here are additional details concerning the DVD extra features:

Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy
This two-and-a-half hour documentary traces the evolution of the saga, from a low-budget labor-of-love space saga to the movie phenomenon that defied the odds and reinvented the rules. This comprehensive documentary features all new interviews with George Lucas and more than 40 members of the cast and crew from the original Trilogy, as well as a host of filmmakers and media personalities. Empire of Dreams also includes some never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from the making of all three of the now legendary Star Wars films.

Episode III Behind the Scenes Preview: The Return of Darth Vader
Finally, Star Wars: Episode III will reveal just how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader, the most iconic villain in film history. In this exclusive preview, George Lucas discusses Anakin’s descent, with a first look at the new Vader costume forged for Episode III. Also, experience how Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor have prepared for the epic lightsaber battle that has been anticipated for more than two decades: the climactic showdown between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The Birth of the Lightsaber Featurette
Its unforgettable hum and scintillating glow are instantly recognizable around the world. Now, viewers will discover the origins of this elegant weapon from a more civilized age in this lightsaber documentary.

The Characters of Star Wars Featurette
An in-depth look at how favorite characters came to be, featuring rare concept art, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with George Lucas and the cast and crew who shaped the screen’s favorite heroes.

The Force Is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars
The Star Wars films opened up a galaxy of possibilities to a generation of filmmakers and creative talents. This feature allows you to hear from some of the most notable filmmakers of our time about how influential the Star Wars movies have been to their lives and work.

Star Wars Battlefront Trailer and Playable Demo
The fourth disc will offer a trailer featuring an exciting look at the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront video game from LucasArts, along with a special demo for Xbox users that lets players fight the Battle of Endor as a Rebel or Imperial soldier, drive AT-STs, ride speeder bikes and use different weapons to lead their side to victory. The full version of Star Wars Battlefront will be released Sept. 21 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC.

Star Wars: Episode III Making the Game Preview
Video-game players will be able to experience the stunning Jedi action of Episode III themselves in the new Star Wars: Episode III game, due out in Spring 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. This special feature shows how game developers at LucasArts worked behind-the-scenes and on the set to create the most authentic Jedi experience ever.

Original Trailers and TV Spots
You can expect the original theatrical teaser, launch and re-release trailers for each of the films, plus TV spots, to be featured on the DVD.

Never-Before-Seen Production Gallery
Delve into an unseen corner of the Lucasfilm Archives with exclusive photos from the making of the Trilogy, with hundreds of rare images.

Posters and Print Campaigns
The original Star Wars films came at a time when international campaigns produced a wealth of intriguing, alternative poster art. Explore a collection of theatrical posters from around the world.

Exclusive DVD-ROM Content
The Star Wars Trilogy DVDs are keys that unlock exclusive content available only through a special DVD-ROM website.

“Star Wars" and related elements are © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

Back To Page 1