So yesterday I sat down and watched 3 movies that I have not seen in over 10 years. Now this may surprise you but I am referring to the Star Wars Trilogy. How is this possible you ask, since most of you know that I watch those movies at least twice a year. Well that is true and yet not. I say this because the movies that I have been watching these past 10 years or so are not the Star Wars Trilogy, but the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition.
It was incredible. My new lady friend, (you know who you are), that I have been spending a great deal of time lately, brought over the DVD's that were released a few years ago that have both the Special Editions and the original theatrical cuts over, and we spent the whole afternoon watching them.
While doing so I had and epiphany. These movies are perfect just the way they are. Sure most of the extras in the Special Editions are cool but not necessary at all, and some of those extras (i.e. the lame ass musical number in ROTJ) are a blight upon movies that did not need these things.
I came to the realization that the reason that I fell in love with these movies in the first place is a reason that I do not believe Mr. Lucas has ever even considered. That reason is that the human imagination is capable of creating a greater landscape than anything that can be put onto canvas, celluloid, or any other medium of art that we know. I didn't need to see the whole of Mos Eisley in A New Hope to know that it was there. I did not need to see the dewbacks move and make noises to know that they were alive. My imagination took the basic format that Lucas gave me and filled in the rest of the areas that I could not see.
It was truly a remarkable experience because in a way I was seeing these movies for the first time again, a feat that is considerable because of the sheer number of times that I have seen them both altered and unaltered.
So does this mean that I will never watch the Special Editions again. No I still enjoy them, but it does mean that the first chance I get I will be buying those other editions and when presented with my first choice I will probably watch them as they were when first released.
Anyway this is a pretty stupid post but, it is what is on my mind right now so I hope it wasn't boring at least.
Til we meet again,
Paul
2 comments:
i think there may be hope for you yet young one
Star Wars is never boring my man! I personally enjoy both versions. My husband and I try to pick out the little upgrades here and there, but anyway you slice it, it's all good. We just returned from our trip to Orlando and you guessed it, we went twice to Hollywood Studios to catch the Star Wars fun. Got to see some really cool stuff, and catch a sneak preview of the new animated flick. When I finally download the gazillion pictures I took, I will send them your way. I also got you a small gift, aren't I the bestest friend? Hope to see you soon so I can give it to you.
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