Possible "Original" Original Trilogy on Bluray this year

[cujoe_da_man]

Ok, first off, before I say anything, I want this thread to be kept civil, no flame wars or debates on how everything but Empire Strikes Back sucks or how the prequels are better than Force Awakens OR how Force Awakens is just a ripoff of A New Hope (because, guess what?  Phantom Menace did the EXACT SAME THING).  You aren't a true fan if you hate everything.

So, with that in mind, it has been released (in rumor) that it is possible that we may actually get the original theatrical version of the original trilogy on Bluray.  I picked up on it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coD2qwySxvk

However, that does mean we get the Emperor reverted back to the creepy bug-eyed guy and we get not one, but TWO kisses between Luke and Leia, BUT this is actually some pretty big news here.

I'm kinda hoping that to appease all the left and right groups that they release both the original and SE versions together, just so no one can complain that they were left out, but seriously, who actually liked the changes?  I'm kidding, some changes were 110% necessary, like putting Ian McDiarmid in the holocall, that's just good continuity.  I did enjoy the changes to 'open up' cloud city.  However, if this happens, I shall have to live without them.

[James Casey]

I'm not a purist. I watched the originals growing up, of course, but the special editions are the ones I've watched again and again over the last twenty years.

While I know, for the most part, that the changes are cosmetic and there are tweaks (Jabba in IV) that don't work as well as they might have hoped, they're what I'm used to.

And funnily enough, the thing I'd miss the most is the Cloud City stuff The approach through the orange sky is just wonderful, and adding in the windows does make a difference there.

For those who prefer the originals, though, I hope this does come out

[scifidude79]

I like both versions.  There are things they changed for the versions I currently own (the previous Blu-ray release) that I really like.  Subtle stuff, like changing the English writing on consoles and whatnot to Aurebesh in the original film.  That makes it more immersive and ties to the other films.  Also, being able to see the full Wampa creature, which had to be mostly left out due to the puppet just not working, is nice.  However, there are also things I don't like, such as the much hated Greedo shooting and dance number in Jabba's palace.  Though, fortunately, a few cringe worthy things they took out for the Blu-ray releases, such as Luke yelling as he (intentionally) fell down the Cloud City pit in Empire.  But, then they added other stuff I hate, such as the Vader "NO" thing at the end of Jedi. So, it's a mixed bag.

I actually like to own both versions of the films, that was how I had them on VHS back in the '90s.  I had the THX remastered original trilogy, as well as v1 of the Special Editions.  It was a good balance, as I was able to watch whichever version I was in the mood for.  I'd like to own the unedited versions on Blu-ray too, so that I have that same luxury.

However, that does mean we get the Emperor reverted back to the creepy bug-eyed guy

Creepy bug-eyed gal would be more accurate.  Though, technically, they were chimpanzee eyes, not bug eyes. 

[Darth Knox]

As far as I'm aware, according to "The Creator" (George Walton Lucas) the Special Editions of the original trilogy are canon. The original theatrical release are considered "Legends".

There is no evidence of this, however, there has been speculation that when Lucas made the deal with Disney he inserted a clause that they are never to release the original theatrical versions on Bluray. Again, that is all speculation, but it is commonly thought to be the case by people within the industry.

Personally, I would love to see the original theatrical release on bluray. I know you can download the despecialised editions, but it would be nice to own them officially. And while I know the special editions are closer to the vision Lucas had when he originally made the movies, but was hampered by the technology of the day, the original theatrical releases are what made the franchise what it is today; it is what attracted fans to the franchise. No-one os saying that Lucas was wrong for doing the special editions (well, maybe some people on the interwebs may say that, but those are silly people who should be ignored) but fans of the franchise want to own the version that made them fall in love with franchise, in addition to Lucas' "canon" version.

Who knows, maybe, when The Creator dies and the rights move to his children, they may decide to allow Disney to release the theatrical versions in exchange for a percentage of the dump-truck loads of cash that will inevitably be made by such a release.

[Taegin Roan]

I don't have them on BluRay, but I have both versions on DVD. I haven't actually gone and watched the original theatrical versions yet, but I plan to sometime.