David’s Random Thoughts

The Empire Strikes Back

Most of the sound problems were fixed or just not noticeable in Empire. The picture also looked much better than ANH. I’m sure most of this is because Lucas had more money for Empire so the quality is naturally better.

My only real complaint about Empire is the Hoth battle. During this sequence some of the visual effects are just terrible. Whenever you are in the cockpit view of a snowspeeder you can see the background right through the ship or person you are suppose to be looking at.  Most of this probably isn’t noticeable unless you are looking for it, which I was.  However, there was one shot were I could hardly see Luke’s face because of the thing that was behind him.  I’m not even sure what it was because it flashed by so quickly.  Other than that it was a good transfer.

Return of the Jedi

Once again there were really no major sound issues that I noticed.  However, the picture quality wasn’t great.  It was very grainy whenever there was a lot of black on the screen or the scene was very dark.

The subtitle’s for Jabba, Bib Fortuna and Boushh are missing just like the Greedo scene from ANH.  While it is interesting that it didn’t play with subtitles in the theater I’m not that upset over them missing.  After all, I’ve seen Jedi enough that I can fill in all those lines anyway.

Summary

Over all there are a few down sides to this set but I believe it is worth having.  At least until we get the remastered version from the late 90’s that fixed all the sound & visual effects.  But since that may never happen I’m glad I picked this up.

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I broke down yesterday and picked up the new Limited Edition releases of the original Star Wars Triliogy.  Best Buy had them on sale for $16.99 so I thought what the heck.  I watched episode IV last night and it was nice to see it the way I watched it growing up.

Only three tiny nitpicks:

1. The picture & sound quality wasn’t what you normally expect on DVD. It was like I was watching a VHS tape. Really though I don’t mind that because it won’t degrade any further like a VHS tape will. Also it’s what I’m use to seeing anyway.

2. Greedo’s dialog with Han wasn’t subtitled. I guess when it first came out in theaters you had to guess what he was saying based on Han’s responses.

3. There was a distinct sound of breaking glass during the detention cell fire fight anytime they shot out the camera’s and such on the walls. The only reason I even mention this is because they shoot so many of them the sound becomes very apparent and sounds fake.

Even with all three of these nitpicks it is still worth having the version I grew up with on DVD.

Now, if George comes out next year with a 30th Anniversary Special Ultimate Platinum Super Collector’s Edition with all six movies and the THX re-mastered editions of the original trilogy release in the late 90’s, then I’ll be a little upset. I’m sure I’ll still buy it but I won’t be happy about it.  :)

Stay tuned for my reviews of episode V and VI.

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I just finished reading the first draft script for Back to the Future.  I had always heard that it was quite different from the film I know but I didn’t realize how true that was until today.

If they had made the movie that I read today it never would have become such a lasting sucess.  In fact, I would say that it wouldn’t have been much of a sucess at all and it certainly wouldn’t have merited two sequals.

If your interested you can read it here.

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I just finished watching the as yet unaired pilot for Heroes and I must say it was great.  I’ve loved the idea behind this show since I first heard about it and it lives up to my high expectations.

Many of the characters echoed thoughts that I’ve had, and occasionally still have, in regards to finding out you have super powers.  Unfortunately for me I’ll only ever have the thoughts.  :)

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The picture gallery is online again.

I still have some formatting and other nitpick things to do but all the images are there now.

Edit:  I have now tweaked the gallery to my liking.  I hope you enjoy it too.  :)  Don’t forget if you have any pictures you’d like to see posted please let me know.

I think I’ll work on adding an album for my family next.  After all it seems kinda of silly for me not to have one.

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