A Reel 25 - THE STAR WARS TRILOGY: SPECIAL EDITION

This month marks the 25^th anniversary of THE STAR WARS TRILOGY: SPECIAL EDITION. 

 

The SPECIAL EDITION of the first three STAR WARS films (1977-1983), was wide-released in theatres to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the first film, STAR WARS (sub-titled A NEW HOPE). Series creator George Lucas was looking to use the re-release as a test, to see if STAR WARS was still popular in the world…a test that would help him decide if he would press on with his long-planned, and long-promised Prequel Trilogy. 

 

Lucas, who had always been unhappy with the limits of technology at the time of the making of the films, decided to use the shiny new tool called CGI to polish, alter, and improve scenes and sequences that he felt were unfinished. Long-lost scenes were restored as they were meant to be, and the films were remastered digitally for long-term preservation.

 

The films were marketed successfully by way of a knockout trailer (below), and new artwork from long-time STAR WARS artist Drew Struzan (above). The films were released on a monthly interval starting on January 31^st, 1997. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK was released on February 21^st. RETURN OF THE JEDI was originally slated for March 7^th, but thanks to the enormous box office success, was pushed to March 14^th. A NEW HOPE would finish as the 8^th highest earner of 1997. 

 

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THE SPECIAL EDITION caused an uproar in 1997 that still lingers today. Although most of the altered scenes were for the better, there were others that are considered to have altered character development. Creator George Lucas has taken it on his bearded chin for many years over his new editing decisions, but there is never any sense to be made in following the religion and cursing the creator. THE SPECIAL EDITION never took anything away, and always added more, and in the grand scheme of things…brought STAR WARS back into the public consciousness after nearly 15 years of no new movies or substantial product. Regardless of the public opinion on the SPECIAL EDITION, this was the event that brought STAR WARS back for good, as without it, the franchise would not be seeing daylight today. For this Blogger, a STAR WARS man since day one, there are very fond memories of seeing the films on the big screen for the first time in many years. Special editions for films that were, and will always be special. 

 

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Watch the SPECIAL EDITION trailer (HERE)