Opinion: Why I Prefer The Original Trilogy Without The Special Edition Changes
Star Wars has been released in various formats and editions over the years. However, every release of the original trilogy since 1997's special edition has been wrought with controversy, with many fans clamoring for the release of the original theatrical cut. Though several changes have either not sat well or aged well, here are the top 10 worst changes made to A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
10. The Original 1997 CGI Jabba The Hutt
In the original cut of these three iconic films, viewers did not meet Jabba until 1983's Return of the Jedi. However, there were plans to introduce him as early as A New Hope. Though the scene was initially left on the cutting room floor, it was reintroduced with the 1997 special edition...with horrifying 90s CGI. It was thankfully fixed in the 2004 re-release, but it is appalling to think that this was ever approved.
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9. The Removal Of "Yub Nub" In Return Of The Jedi
Many children of the 1980s most likely have fond memories of this tune that played as the Ewoks celebrated the victory over the Empire on the forest moon of Endor. Unfortunately, however, when it came time to update Return of the Jedi, this fan-favorite tune was scrapped, and in its place is a generic triumphant theme underscoring various planets celebrating this heroic victory. Though it might not be a significant change, it was a huge blow for those who grew up with the song.
8. Obi-Wan's Distracting Krayt Dragon Call
In 1977's A New Hope, we are introduced to the ruthless Sandpeople of Tatooine in a rather sudden way: by showing them attack Luke Skywalker. It seems as if the farm boy is done for, but out of nowhere, a cry resembling a krayt dragon is heard, scaring the Sandpeople off. It is soon revealed that Obi-Wan is the source of the said noise. However, things play out slightly differently in the version from 2011 onward. Instead of the animalistic call, Obi-Wan's hoots and hollers sound more human and honestly a bit ridiculous.
7. The Chaotic Entrance To Mos Eisley
Mos Eisley is a wretched hive of scum and villainy, but the CGI added to the establishing shot is a bit much. We have people riding dewbacks, droids doing slapstick, and most egregious, a large dinosaur creature crossing in front of the camera, blocking the shot. This makes the scene look more like something out of a video game or a Saturday morning cartoon than a desolate wasteland.
6. The Sarlacc Pit
Though the original effect was simply a hole in the ground with some sharp teeth, the version seen in the special edition is more Little Shop of Horrors than Star Wars. If this was an attempt to make it more intimidating, it most certainly failed. The original was intimidating enough, with the prospect of being digested for a millennium, so having the creature redesigned to look like an eye-less turtle was unnecessary.
5. "Jedi Rocks"
During the Jabba's palace scene in Return of the Jedi, a musical ensemble known as the Max Rebo band is entertaining guests. In the original cut, the song they are playing is entitled Lapti Nek and is a more low-key funk/disco number. However, it was replaced by a more boisterous and obnoxious tune known as Jedi Rocks, and the Max Rebo band has some new members in the form of CGI aliens. Unfortunately, these new additions are the worst offender and distract from the gritty tone of the scene with their cartoonish antics.
4. Darth Vader's "NOOO!" In Return Of The Jedi
Vader's sacrifice to save his son from the clutches of Emperor Palpatine is an emotional moment of redemption. In the original, it is preceded by a moment of silent contemplation. However, starting with the 2011 Blu-Ray release, the dark lord becomes more vocal, channeling his younger years. This is definitely not something that was needed for the scene.
3. Artoo Hiding In The Digital Rocks
R2-D2 apparently wasn't hidden enough in the original cut of A New Hope. However, these digital stones were simply unnecessary and now make it slightly implausible for the droid to even fit. This is one of those changes that can make a fan shake their head, wondering why it was made.
2. Hayden Christensen Replacing Sebastian Shaw In Return Of The Jedi
This is a controversial topic, but the reason this change is so high up is simply the way it was executed. Rather than having the prequel actor come in for new footage, his head is simply plastered onto Shaw's body, and it was not done rather well. If the scene is viewed frame by frame, a sharp frame change can be seen as Anakin moves his head. This is one change that could have been executed better.
1. Greedo Shooting First
You probably saw this coming a mile away. This is perhaps the most hated change of all. Not only was it unnecessary and a betrayal of Han's character, but this too was poorly executed, especially in the original 1997 special edition. In each subsequent release, however, the frame becomes shorter and shorter to the point where both fire simultaneously. This change has launched the "Han shot first" meme/campaign and is a controversial topic among Star Wars fans.
Hopefully, the original cuts will be released someday, but until then, fans of the over 40-year-old franchise will have to deal with these versions of the film. But, like them or hate them, they're here to stay.
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