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Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (2004 Remastered)
Jump to hyperspace with this fantastic adventure to save the galaxy!
For the first time on DVD the original Star Wars is available as it was seen in 1977. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope comes as a two-disc set; one disc is the remastered version of the film from 2004, the second disc presents the original theatrical version. Whether this is Star Wars as you remember it or Star Wars as you’ve never seen it you owe it to yourself to see history as it was made. Classic special effects, the original soundtrack and no second-thought editing make this version of Star Wars a treat to see. May the force be with you - but remember: Han Shot First!
Eighteen years after Episode I, Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy from Tatooine, is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet. Obi-Wan begins Luke's Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil Empire. Although Obi-Wan sacrifices himself in a lightsabre duel with Darth Vader, his former apprentice, Luke proves that the Force is with him by destroying the Empire's dreaded Death Star.
Member Reviews
Episode 4: The Next Generation - MovieMaker
In 1977, “May the Force Be With You” became the phrase of a film generation. For those reading this some thirty years later (or more), this is simply the next installment in a six-part serial. But... this “Star Wars” was released back in May of 1977 with some peculiar qualities: it started abruptly in the center of a story already in progress, used high-tech special effects to teach us to believe in ourselves... and was so popular that it got re-released the same year with an addendum to the title that read “Episode IV: A New Hope”. So lets simply start there. Some twenty or so years after the creation of the Empire, Darth Vader, the fallen Knight from “Revenge of the Sith” and the Emperor's number one henchman, is anxious to find the stolen data tapes containing designs for the Death Star, a moon-size metal nightmare capable of destroying entire planets. I always thought it was a stupid marketing ploy to say in the trailer... “A boy... a girl... and a galaxy!” It certainly wasn't a love story: but if you've been paying attention, young Luke Skywalker is DESTINED to meet Princess Leia Organa, and by “destined” I mean FATE. Two robots, R2-D2 and C-3P0 have the unenviable problem of smuggling the damn tapes while being chased by Vader's troops. They cross paths with Luke, who crosses paths with an old man named Ben. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (no English) are Luke and Ben's reluctant buddies. Human spirit, faith and hope are the themes of Episode 4, whose title is once again double in meaning. The main characters became icons--particularly Darth Vader. The visuals, which at the time were mind-blowing, were improved many years later, causing the first dissension (of many) among die-hard fans. But this is nonsense. John Williams won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.Classic - FieroGT
Star Wars was one of those movies that drop kicked the public back in 1977. I went to see it in theatres and it was just mind blowing at the time. Most of the effects hold up today and were superbly done. The remastered edition is really good and shows the staying power this movie has.
Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford are awesome here. The story is quite good and the actors work well together. I own the original and had to see the remastered I was not dissapointed.It Will Always Be Star Wars To Me - Gregg
While I will acknowledge its faults this is still one of my favorite all time films. I remember see the film when it was released and despite have seen many, many more times since it still remains compelling and exhilarating when I watch it today. I have enjoyed all the films in the series and I know that many will argue that “The Empire Strikes Back” is the better film but for me “Star Wars” please don’t call it “A New Hope” has always been best entry in the series.
The film tells a story of epic proportions and creates a fascinating world (or several worlds if you like) while also delivering swashbuckling like action and a battle for the future of a galaxy. The characters to me are so effective and iconic; there is the mystery of Alec Guinness’s Obi Wan Kenobi, the cockiness of Harrison Ford’s Han Solo and the menace of James Earl Jones/David Prowse’s Darth Vader. The hero of the story of course is Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who isn’t as effective as the aforementioned supporting characters but that’s not unusual and he still easy to cheer for with the exception a few minor quibbles. We also have Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) who begins as the damsel in distress who shows she is more than just a damsel but still isn’t given quite as much to do as in the sequels where her character would get more development. Finally I can’t forget Peter Cushing as the chilling Grand Moff Tarkin.
The effects certainly look a little dated but either through the subsequent new editions or simply recalling how startling the original effects were over 20 years ago this does not affect my enjoyment of the film whatsoever.
For me an integral part of the film is the wonderful John Williams score, which remains my favorite score of his from a truly incredible career.
While I will freely acknowledge George Lucas has his faults and made some mistakes, I also feel he is a visionary filmmaker who was able to deliver some incredibly imaginative films.
Member Reviews
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Episode 4: The Next Generation - MovieMaker
In 1977, “May the Force Be With You” became the phrase of a film generation. For those reading this some thirty years later (or more), this is simply the next installment in a six-part serial. But... this “Star Wars” was released back in May of 1977 with ...Classic - FieroGT
Star Wars was one of those movies that drop kicked the public back in 1977. I went to see it in theatres and it was just mind blowing at the time. Most of the effects hold up today and were superbly done. The remastered edition is really good and shows the ...It Will Always Be Star Wars To Me - Gregg
While I will acknowledge its faults this is still one of my favorite all time films. I remember see the film when it was released and despite have seen many, many more times since it still remains compelling and exhilarating when I watch it today. I have enjoyed ...