If you’ve ever been in the market for a Star Wars DVD, you’ve probably been wondering where to buy the originals. While the Definitive Collection box set, Skywalker Saga box set, and Limited Edition Standalone and 2008 DVD Set releases are all very nice, they aren’t the only option. Here’s where to find 2004 discs. If you’re looking for the best quality versions, look no further than the Japanese Special Collection releases. Besides, the scan quality is far superior than the US releases. The gamble is too big to consider.
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Issues with the Definitive Collection
While there are no major defects in the new Star Wars films, there are some problems with the current releases. The color timing is off and the grain has a strange appearance, and the quality of the sound is questionable. While I’m not saying the DVD is perfect, the quality is definitely better than previous releases. Regardless of the problems, this release is a worthy addition to the Star Wars DVD library.
The first discs are quite long, and the list of extras is long, but the third disc is the shortest. Both of the documentaries are longer than the combined content on the second disc. Sadly, the trailers for the new films are included on the third disc, and these are not nearly as good as those on the Definitive Edition LaserDisc. The documentaries aren’t as clear as they would be on the original discs, and the sound is subpar.
Issues with the Skywalker Saga box set
Some of the issues with “The Skywalker Saga” box set stem from the mishandling of the development process. Many players have reported that the development process was not as smooth as it could have been. The developers were under stress when they were first given the project, and it shows in the finished product. But is it as problematic as some critics claim? It’s worth playing “The Skywalker Saga” if you’re a Star Wars fan.
Many fans have pointed out that the box set’s promo video is choppy, particularly during the backflip by Mace Windu. This is because the video’s frame rate is unstable, causing certain frames to linger longer on the screen than they should. During one scene, Mace Windu’s cape stays on the screen for three frames, and jitters with every frame.
Issues with the Limited Edition Standalone or 2008 DVD Set releases
While it’s hard to blame the studio for focusing restoration efforts on the Special Edition versions, this doesn’t mean that the original theatrical releases are in poor condition. It’s entirely possible that the studio has chosen to work with THX to get better prints for these DVD sets, and this could mean that they’ll be ready to ship well before the theatrical releases.
The problem with the 2004 DVD Set release of the Original Trilogy is that the three films are presented in a widescreen aspect ratio, which makes them a poor choice for a home theater. Although this is a significant flaw, it should be noted that these releases use the same Japanese master for all three films. These discs feature letterboxing that masks the Japanese subtitles. As a result, the DVDs look and play in the same manner as they did on the LaserDisc versions.
Alternatives to the 2004 discs
There are several alternatives to the 2004 Star Wars DVD set that you might want to consider. Besides the trilogy, there are three additional DVD sets from LucasFilm. The Star Wars Trilogy set was heavily promoted, while the Ewoks and Droids sets have gone unnoticed. Still, I recommend you check out the Animated Adventures discs. These films will provide some much-needed extra content for fans.
Another option is the Japanese Laserdisc release. These DVDs have a crisp, clean look and are extremely popular among fans of the original trilogy. These DVDs feature Japanese subtitles burned into the image. These subtitles are usually below the letterboxed frame, but occasionally creep up into the visible area. But, if you’re looking for a high-quality version of the originals, this is the way to go.