Star Wars DVDs - Reviews - Part 2

[Static Cling]

The continuation of this thread (http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98637).

The following is from BadAsh's first post in that thread... if you are new to the discussion, please read this thread before continuing.

Originally posted by BadAsh
Okay, I know, not another Star Wars thread. Well, there was one "Star Wars DVDs" thread out there that discussed the latest DVD Bootlegs but it has since been closed and none of the latest threads really fit for this review. Why not put this review in the "DVD Reviews" forum? DVD-Talk does not support or condone the discussion of "bootlegs" in any form. Since these DVDs are not "official" I feel this thread is best posted to the "DVD Talk" Forum.

The focus of this thread is to supply reviews of all of the latest Star Wars bootleg DVDs. Please do not turn this thread into a begging thread for bootleg source info. I would like everyone to note that any requests for bootleg source info posted in this thread will be denied any information and will only lead to this thread being closed either by myself or the mods.

[Shafted!]

All right, I read the first 5 pages of the previous link above and then i read the last few pages, and man there is some good discussion there.

Just a quick question, so it is pretty much agreed upon that the "5 star" version is the one to get?

I just want to be sure. Thanks,
S!

[Rogue588]

Well, i am VERY happy with my 5 Star set.

They're not perfect.
[Perfect would be an OFFICIAL release.]

But, these'll do until 2005. ;)

[moocher]

Originally posted by Shafted!
All right, I read the first 5 pages of the previous link above and then i read the last few pages, and man there is some good discussion there.

Just a quick question, so it is pretty much agreed upon that the "5 star" version is the one to get?

I just want to be sure. Thanks,
S!

Well, if you have a digital front projector, particularly an LCD projector, I would pay attention to the comments about gamma/black level problems with the 5-star set. Since these projectors tend to have trouble getting true blacks anyway, this may make the DTS banner version (no black level issues but apparently not quite as sharp) a consideration. It was unclear as to whether true blacks are possible with the 5-star set.

I have a DLP projector and am due to receive my 5-stars any day now. I already have the DTS banner edition and will do a direct comparison to see if the 5-star is truly better for those of us with non-CRT projectors.

Apparently if you have a display capable of adjustment to true black (regular TV, rear projection set, CRT front projector) you're probably better off with the 5-star, although the image may still be too bright and lacking enough black level in places. From the other thread, the 5-star has a sharper image with better color and has superior sound.

[WepaMan]

I've seen various comparisons between the "5 Star release" and the "DTS" release. This really confuses me because the set that I ordered is labeled as the "5 Star Collection DTS Version". So which exact version would I be getting?

[Joseph B]

But, these'll do until 2005.

Remember, all McCallum stated officially is that we would get the newly edited OT's after Episode 3 is released theatrically. He didn't state that that meant 2005. In all likelihood we'll get Episode 3 in November 2005 followed by the new, "super-duper", enhanced OT's the next year.

I still feel a window exists for Lucas to provide us with a basic release of the '97 SE versions of the OT's in November 2003. With DVD already outselling VHS to the tune of 60%-40%, a VHS-only release of the OT in November 2003 (as rumored) would look really silly.

So ... Purchase these bootlegs with your eyes wide open!!

[dgc]

Originally posted by WepaMan
I've seen various comparisons between the "5 Star release" and the "DTS" release. This really confuses me because the set that I ordered is labeled as the "5 Star Collection DTS Version". So which exact version would I be getting?

This is the 5 Star Collection:

http://images.andale.com/f2/103/123/8012542/1021361603572_side.JPG

http://abacus.sj.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_40bd5c58eda8a9e3db14b44a34/i-1.JPG

[TK-421]

I just ordered my 5 star trilogy for $35 shipped. I'll let you know what I think of them if/when I finally get it. I can't believe this is the third time I'm purchasing these movies on DVD.. These bootleggers are becoming as bad as Lucas is with rereleases ;)

[RDYoung]

I just got these Fed-ex today. Seem really pretty good. I'll know more later after I look at them on my 32' TV.

R

[entitee]

Originally posted by TK-421
I just ordered my 5 star trilogy for $35 shipped. I'll let you know what I think of them if/when I finally get it. I can't believe this is the third time I'm purchasing these movies on DVD.. These bootleggers are becoming as bad as Lucas is with rereleases ;)

what other versions do you have?

--kev

[MrPink]

How?

[TK-421]

Originally posted by entitee
what other versions do you have?

--kev

Let's see..

I have the very first DVD release, which was the SE trilogy with burned in chinese subtitles. Then I got the second release, which was the original trilogy with removable subtitles and extras from the Definitive Laserdisc collection (a few interviews and making ofs). I skipped the third release which was another re-release of the SE trilogy without burned in subtitles, and now I've purchased the 4th release, which is the "5 Star" collection with is a dual-layer DVD with better picture quality and no audio problems.

[ChicagoDVD]

Anyone know where some good quality case art can be found for these. I ordered the 5 star set from a site which states that no cases will be provided. I'd like to print my own cover art and stick em in some AOL cases or something. Thanks

[TK-421]

Try here:

http://www.dvdcoverart.com/

Not 5 Star covers, but pretty good.

[dgc]

Originally posted by TK-421
and now I've purchased the 4th release, which is the "5 Star" collection with is a dual-layer DVD with better picture quality and no audio problems.

I wouldn't say NO audio problems, just much fewer. See reviews in the part 1 thread.

The DTS sucks for all discs.
A great DD 2.0 is the only useable audio format for ESB.

Still, overall the audio is better than my VHS.

[Frank S]

Agreed that the audio is NOT perfect on the 5 Star DVD's! The ESB's DD 5.1 is screwed up real bad! The front L/R play in the surround L/R's so it is useless. The DTS on all SW DVD releases including the 5 star have never been anywhere near good. The DD 2.0/DS on ESB is the best I have heard for a DS audio track and makes the screw up on the DD 5.1 more forgiveable! The DD 5.1 on ANH and ROTJ is VERY good!

[JoeyOhhhh]

Originally posted by Joseph B


Remember, all McCallum stated officially is that we would get the newly edited OT's after Episode 3 is released theatrically. He didn't state that that meant 2005. In all likelihood we'll get Episode 3 in November 2005 followed by the new, "super-duper", enhanced OT's the next year.

I still feel a window exists for Lucas to provide us with a basic release of the '97 SE versions of the OT's in November 2003. With DVD already outselling VHS to the tune of 60%-40%, a VHS-only release of the OT in November 2003 (as rumored) would look really silly.

So ... Purchase these bootlegs with your eyes wide open!!

TheForce.net just posted an interview with Lucas, and without a surprise, he doubts the original trilogy will be released.

Also: has anyone had any problems with the pre-SE Empire disc. Mine wont play in any player.

[Disc-Flipper]

Originally posted by JoeyOhhhh


Also: has anyone had any problems with the pre-SE Empire disc. Mine wont play in any player.

Try a good cleaning using a soft cloth or a kit.

Could somebody post screen shots of the Five Star Collection menus ?

[garmonbozia]

does anyone know the country that these "5 star" editions were made in?

[Bandoman]

Originally posted by garmonbozia
does anyone know the country that these "5 star" editions were made in?

I don't know where they're made, but they're shipped from Malaysia.

[Flynn]

will these five star editions play on any player? I may pick them up if I know they'll play on my Sony 5-disc Dvd player... can someone get back to me on this?

scratch that, just found out by doing some research that yes, the dvd player will play these. just ordered from an online retailer. can't wait!!!

[lordzeppelin]

So am I the only one sticking with the "DTS Banner" SE set, and not grabbing the "5 Star"?

Maybe I'm just easily satisfied... ;)

[MichaelMeyers]

Just placed an order for these earlier today, hopefully they shall be worth it. :)

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by lordzeppelin
So am I the only one sticking with the "DTS Banner" SE set, and not grabbing the "5 Star"?

Maybe I'm just easily satisfied... ;)

Yep...looks like it :)

Really...how HARD is it to get rid of your old set? I sold it to my friend for the cost of the new set. I lost no money in the deal and got to trade up ;)

[moocher]

Originally posted by clappj
deleted

Not that I am against sharing source information but posts like these will get this thread closed.

If you want more information than is provided in this thread, then get it somewhere else. - Static

[funkstar_X]

Originally posted by ChicagoDVD
Anyone know where some good quality case art can be found for these. I ordered the 5 star set from a site which states that no cases will be provided. I'd like to print my own cover art and stick em in some AOL cases or something. Thanks

Anyone of you speaking German?
In Germany private pay-per-view TV shows the SE's of EP4-6 last autumn - some guys grabbed these movies from their digital receiver and burned them in a really fabulous quality in DD5.1 and widescreen on DVD-R's!!

Me (as an old SW-fan) has been asked to create some covers - they´re now available at:

www.matrixresistance.de/sw.html

just tell me what you think of them - but be aware: they´re in german!

[Astro44]

Finally got my 5 star versions today and I'm TOTALLY happy with them. Way better than the other special edition DTS versions. I can now rest offically until the offical releases are released :P It took 10 days to get to me, not bad at all. Unless another version that has tons of extra features and quality is better and price is a steal, then I won't be buying another copy. THANKS FOR DEAL :-)

[Disc-Flipper]

Originally posted by lordzeppelin
So am I the only one sticking with the "DTS Banner" SE set, and not grabbing the "5 Star"?

Maybe I'm just easily satisfied... ;)

I'm also quite pleased with the DTS banner set and will not bother checking out the 5-Star set.

[moocher]

Well, I finally received the 5-star set today. While I have not watched any of the movies all the way through, I did check out a few key scenes from each one. Those with digital front projectors don't fear. Blacks are fine with gamma adjusted down. However, the early brighter Tatooine scenes from Ep 4 are very fuzzy looking to me with low contrast. They were on the DTS banner set as well but they seem to look worse with this set. Everything else I looked at was better on the 5 star set but not tremendously so.

Another thing I noticed was a lot of "stairstep" artifacting and somewhat jerky movement in places, especially pans. I don't remember it being as noticable on the banner set. I'll have to do some closer comparisons over the next few days.

Everything said previously about the sound is right on. Sound is MUCH better on this set (and I liked the sound on the banner set). LFE (while still a little weak IMO) is evident throughout while on the banner set it was a no-show. Discrete 5.1 on Ep 4 and Ep 6 was quite an improvement. Even Ep 5 in 2 channel surround does sound better.

Oh yes, if cover art is important to you, the 5-star rules in that catagory :).

[DavidH]

Just curious - are the five star's the SE and the DTS logo ones are the original??

[dgc]

Originally posted by moocher
Another thing I noticed was a lot of "stairstep" artifacting and somewhat jerky movement in places, especially pans. I don't remember it being as noticable on the banner set. I'll have to do some closer comparisons over the next few days.

Oh yes, if cover art is important to you, the 5-star rules in that catagory :).

Yes, occasionally I noticed some "stairstep" floating horizontal lines as well. And I agree, they did a really nice job with the cover art.

[wiz]

I got the shipping information from the guy I bought my 5 stars from, but they seem to be stuck in Indianapolis, IN since 5/17 for some reason. I e-mailed the guy and he is supposed to be looking into it, but it's really been a pain in the ass since it was supposed to be here 2 day air. *sigh*

[Frank S]

Originally posted by DavidH
Just curious - are the five star's the SE and the DTS logo ones are the original?? No, both are the SE versions. The only original versions out on DVD are very hard to find and nowhere near the audio/video quality of the SE DVD's!

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by Frank S
No, both are the SE versions. The only original versions out on DVD are very hard to find and nowhere near the audio/video quality of the SE DVD's!

True and not true. I don't know where this rumor is coming from that the original versions are hard to find. They are EASILY found at all the usual places. I will however, agree...the quality is horrible. Almost makes me want to sell my copy of the original trilogy since i prefer the SE's anyway. They look just dreadful.

On the other hand...I finally received my copy of the 5 Star DVD's yesterday and I can say that my laserdiscs will be sold within the next two weeks. I no longer have any use for them. Except for the sound screw up on Empire...these discs are absolutely FANTASTIC. The movies look and sound great (save Empire), have the trailers AND the 30 minute documentary from the laserdisc. Thus...i have no need for the original any more and any lasers I can replace are welcome.

Go and get em if you can. These will totally hold me over until 2006 or whenever George gets around to releasing his newest vision. Or until the next version of the bootlegs come out with Empire corrected and even BETTER image...if that's possible ;)

[TSL]

I received my set of the 5 Star version yesterday, watched IV and part of V with my kids. Quality is better than I had hoped for, roughly on par with any direct laserdisc transfer to DVD release and better than some! Very good sync, no noticeable problems. Some picture softness in IV, not too bad.

I don't really consider this purchase as advocating piracy as there is no alternative, legit DVD set to buy. It really pisses me off that Lucas can watch the series with his kids on DVD but denies that right to fans that were there in the beginning and want to enjoy the films with our own kids. I will buy the legit sets when released but these are just fine for now.

[Mike Myers]

How are the 5 Star DVDs compared to the (official, thus legal) VCD Edition available in Malaysia? I don't have a LD player so my only other option would be VCD. It's a nice box set.

I could get the 5 Stars for $38 shipped and I'm one step from doing it, but the VCDs would be around 10 bucks cheaper. Of course this is only worth of consideration if the quality is somewhat similar.

[D-Ball]

I haven't seen the VCDs, but I've heard that they are fullscreen. As for the quality, I wouldn't expect much better than VHS quality from the VCDs in terms of both audio and video.

[Mike Myers]

Originally posted by D-Ball
I haven't seen the VCDs, but I've heard that they are fullscreen. As for the quality, I wouldn't expect much better than VHS quality from the VCDs in terms of both audio and video.

Pan & Scan? Cool....

[chess]

Originally posted by Mike Myers


Pan & Scan? Cool....

:whofart:

please let that be sarcasm...

i have vcd copies of the lion king and aladdin, and off the cuff, i'd say avoid them like the plague...sub VHS in quality. pixelriffic on my 61" screen.

[Mike Myers]

Yeah, I heard some stories about sub-VHS quality, too. I just thought maybe this official VCDs might be an exception and perhaps even better than some bootlegged DVDs.

But thanks for the advice, I'll go for the 5 Star editions.

[calhoun07]

Are the 5 Stars original cuts of the movie or are they the Greedo shoots first and etc special edition versions of the movies/

[Frank S]

They are the SE versions! If you have to have the original versions then you have to deal with a VASTLY inferior quality DVD then the SE's are.

[Y2K Falcon]

Static: The link in the original thread doesn't point to this thread, but some other one that I can only assume got moved to the moderator forum. It is this post of yours:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=2402678#post2402678

Another reason this might be helpful to fix is that I actually found someone in another forum linking to the original closed thread, and it would be easier if the 'Closing' message pointed to this new thread:
http://www.trekbbs.com/ubb/Forum11/HTML/007844.html
(then do a search for 'DVDTalk' on that page)

That being said, it looks like the 5 Stars are the way to go for me. I've never been too fussed on the Greedo bit. But keep the info flowing on these, those of you receiving them! Every piece of information helps!

Of course, my Wells Fargo credit card will probably have a fit when they see an international charge come through after I find a place I trust. The security threshhold is really low. Twice on vacation they have locked my credit card due to 'abnormal charges' -rolleyes-

[Sirgey]

Originally posted by digitalfreaknyc


The movies look and sound great (save Empire), have the trailers AND the 30 minute documentary from the laserdisc. Thus...i have no need for the original any more and any lasers I can replace are welcome.



I just received my 5 stars the other day and I can't seem to find any documentary on any of them.

[gachamann]

My 5-star set has arrived back home, but I'm currently deployed to the desert and it'll be a couple more weeks before I can watch it. I don't have the greatest setup, but I do have a 55" widescreen RPTV and a fairly decent 5.1 setup, so I'll post in with my thoughts.

This will also be a fairly fresh take on the DVDs, as I've never seen previous versions of the bootlegs, and up until now have only watched the OT on my VHS (the non-SE that was remastered). Kinda blows hearing people say the non-SE DVDs suck in video/audio since the original movies are light-years better than the hacked-up SEs, but what ya gonna do? I saw the SEs once. ANH I vowed to never watch again (in SE form) because it changed the movie too much for the worse, though ESB and ROTJ I could tolerate. I'd rather have lower video and audio quality and be able to watch the classics in their true form than watch the SEs....

Well crap, guess I'm just gonna have to buy the non-SE set, too. :D It may not be perfect, but it's gotta be better than VHS!

I'll chime in when I get home and watch the 5-stars back to back.

[electrolite]

I just received my 5 stars the other day and I can't seem to find any documentary on any of them.



You can find the documentary on the ROTJ Disc, it's under the trailer. Just watch that and it'll take you the docu. :)

[calhoun07]

Originally posted by Frank S
They are the SE versions! If you have to have the original versions then you have to deal with a VASTLY inferior quality DVD then the SE's are.

So nobody has made DVDs of the original cuts of the movie that meet good standards?

[Frank S]

Originally posted by calhoun07


So nobody has made DVDs of the original cuts of the movie that meet good standards? Unfortunately no but that is more due to the fact that the bootleggers don't have a outstanding video source to start out with like the SW: SE laserdiscs which are outstanding!

[moocher]

After reading the Memento SE "tough case" thread I just have to make this comment even though it is a very small deal in the grand scheme of things. How come these bootleggers have the best securing mechanisms for their disks?? Both sets I received had securing mechs (you know, the plastic piece in the center that secures the disk in the case) that I have never seen on a legit DVD case. Very easy to get the disk in and out and is not hard on the disk like some I have that can cause cracks to develop from the inner hole.:thumbsup:

How's that for a review of a previously unmentioned feature of this set :)?

[phraseturner]

digitalfreaknyc-- "On the other hand...I finally received my copy of the 5 Star DVD's yesterday and I can say that my laserdiscs will be sold within the next two weeks. I no longer have any use for them. "

Don't list yours just yet. . ....my auction has a few more days to run. I don't need the competition! ;) As soon as I received my 5-stars and tried them out, I knew my SE box set was auction bound!

Now, if they could just do some Indy discs right, I'd never leave my house.

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by Frank S
Unfortunately no but that is more due to the fact that the bootleggers don't have a outstanding video source to start out with like the SW: SE laserdiscs which are outstanding!

Not entirely accurate.

The re-release of the trilogy on laserdisc with the CAV boxed set and subsequent CLV editions with "face" covers are the best that original trilogy looks on video right now. That was before the clean up on the negative which is why it obviously doesn't look as good as the SE's. That's why I like the SE's so much. The film itself looks absolutely new. But from what I remember, that CAV/CLV release was great...with a very aggressive surround track. The masters are there...the bootleggers just didn't do it.

And in my opinion...i'd rather have a VHS release (or laserdisc, if you had to) of the trilogy than have these bootlegs with their sound delays.

But then again I also prefer the SE's. So what do i know?

[bboisvert]

Originally posted by digitalfreaknyc
The re-release of the trilogy on laserdisc with the CAV boxed set and subsequent CLV editions with "face" covers are the best that original trilogy looks on video right now. That was before the clean up on the negative which is why it obviously doesn't look as good as the SE's. That's why I like the SE's so much. The film itself looks absolutely new. But from what I remember, that CAV/CLV release was great...with a very aggressive surround track. The masters are there...the bootleggers just didn't do it.

I was just about to post the same thing. The CLV "face" cover laserdiscs of the OT are fantastic. If someone were to master these properly to DVD (with correct video settings, and NO audio delays) they would be great.

They're not in 5.1 sound (only pro-logic) but I'd rather have decent non-discrete surround than some sort of faked 5.1 that a bootlegger has created. The OT was never mastered in 5.1.

The possibility still exists for a great OT DVD set... until someone with the means takes up the cause, I'll stick with my awesome laserdisc set -- which gets a lot more viewing in my home than my SE set.

[nodeerforamonth]

Just got my Five Star yesterday! Unbelievable how fast they came! I ordered on Tuesday (or Monday... most likely Monday... I can't remember!) and got it on Thursday! (from Malaysia??!?!)

ROTJ looks the best. Empire 2nd best. ANH doesn't look as good, but I'm assuming because it's an older film. The trailer/documentary on ROTJ skipped in my PS2, but plays perfectly in my other players.

[TK-421]

Hmm.. I ordered mine Monday night from Malaysia.. perhaps even the same place, I hope I get mine before the long weekend..

[Frank S]

Originally posted by digitalfreaknyc


(removed slightly inflammatory remarks -Blade)...not entirely accurate.

The re-release of the trilogy on laserdisc with the CAV boxed set and subsequent CLV editions with "face" covers are the best that original trilogy looks on video right now. That was before the clean up on the negative which is why it obviously doesn't look as good as the SE's. That's why I like the SE's so much. The film itself looks absolutely new. But from what I remember, that CAV/CLV release was great...with a very aggressive surround track. The masters are there...the bootleggers just didn't do it.

And in my opinion...i'd rather have a VHS release (or laserdisc, if you had to) of the trilogy than have these bootlegs with their sound delays.

But then again I also prefer the SE's. So what do i know? How is what I said not correct? You even admit the SE's are better quality so again where am I wrong? If you watch these LD's on a larger HDTV you will see there is a big difference in the video quality from the Faces THX version and the SE versions which is why the bootleggers don't put out DVD's of the OT that come near the quality of the SE's.

And speaking of not getting it right... The last two SE releases on DVD do not have sound delays so you are incorrect on that point.

[DVD-Crazy]

Could someone post the differences in movie plot between
the originals and the SE versions?

[monkey]

Originally posted by Frank S
How is what I said not correct? You even admit the SE's are better quality so again where am I wrong? If you watch these LD's on a larger HDTV you will see there is a big difference in the video quality from the Faces THX version and the SE versions which is why the bootleggers don't put out DVD's of the OT that come near the quality of the SE's.

And speaking of not getting it right... The last two SE releases on DVD do not have sound delays so you are incorrect on that point.

This is true. The last OT releases on LD were much better than they'd previously been, but really pale in comparison to the SE's. If they used these OT releases for a new DVD release, sorry to say, but they just wouldn't look good. Yeah, and these last two DVD releases of the SE's don't have sound delays. Methinks Frank S does get it, and there's no need to be condescending towards him.

[MJKTool]

Are these 5 Star DVD's a representative, for the most part, of what LaserDisk looks like? I've never seen LaserDisk before, and if they are Im not all that impressed. I a/b them to my widescreen VHS set (the latest release) and only found a marginal improvement. Im still happy to have them on an optical medium though.

[Joseph B]

Could someone post the differences in movie plot between the originals and the SE versions?


Here's a link detailing all the differences :

http://us.imdb.com/AlternateVersions?0076759

[Frank S]

Originally posted by digitalfreaknyc


(removed slightly inflammatory remarks -Blade)

Read my post again. I wasn't talking about the SE's. I was talking about the OT having sound delays.

(removed slightly inflammatory remarks -Blade) (removed inflammatory remark -Blade)

[Frank S]

Originally posted by MJKTool
Are these 5 Star DVD's a representative, for the most part, of what LaserDisk looks like? I've never seen LaserDisk before, and if they are Im not all that impressed. I a/b them to my widescreen VHS set (the latest release) and only found a marginal improvement. Im still happy to have them on an optical medium though. I would ask what size/type TV were you viewing these on? I ask because it become much more appearant the differences when viewed on a larger HDTV then it does on smaller (32" and under) analog TV's. With my Panasonic RP91's ability to scale non-anamorphic DVD's I find the SW:SE DVD's (the last 2 releases) to be better then the laserdiscs, which are FAR beyond the quality of VHS tapes.

[MJKTool]

Originally posted by Frank S
I would ask what size/type TV were you viewing these on? I ask because it become much more appearant the differences when viewed on a larger HDTV then it does on smaller (32" and under) analog TV's. With my Panasonic RP91's ability to scale non-anamorphic DVD's I find the SW:SE DVD's (the last 2 releases) to be better then the laserdiscs, which are FAR beyond the quality of VHS tapes.

Im watching them on a 27 Sony Wega, so your probably right. Dont get me wrong though these new DVD's look pretty damn good for bootlegs. Some scenes look really great, like bright scenes, and some scenes, like dark scenes, look pretty bad though from what I saw.

[bboisvert]

Originally posted by DVD-Crazy
Could someone post the differences in movie plot between
the originals and the SE versions?

Here is the most comprehensive list you will ever find:

http://www.theforce.net/swse

[moocher]

Originally posted by MJKTool

Some scenes look really great, like bright scenes, and some scenes, like dark scenes, look pretty bad though from what I saw.

Wow. I thought exactly the opposite. The space scenes (although sometimes littered with stairsteps) looked great and the brighter scenes (especially in IV) looked like they were covered in a light coat of vasoline. The brighter scenes in V and VI weren't as bad.

[Disc-Flipper]

Originally posted by DVD-Crazy
Could someone post the differences in movie plot between
the originals and the SE versions?

Try Treadwell's:

http://users.southeast.net/users/datalore/starwars/sepage.htm

[Terrell]

You guys don't have any laserdisc of the originals? I would assume these bootlegs are terrible compared to the laserdiscs. Maybe most here don't have any LDs. I thought people would be more interested in getting one of the official THX LDs of the originals. Oh well.

Lucas, if you don't put out the originals on DVD, piracy will get even worse. Don't let us down.

[Frank S]

Originally posted by Terrell
You guys don't have any laserdisc of the originals? I would assume these bootlegs are terrible compared to the laserdiscs. Maybe most here don't have any LDs. I thought people would be more interested in getting one of the official THX LDs of the originals. Oh well.

Lucas, if you don't put out the originals on DVD, piracy will get even worse. Don't let us down. The original THX "Faces" LD's are readily owned by people posting here but if they are like me and are not bothered by the Special Edition versions then the DVD's are indeed superior to any LD's out there! I owned both the THX "Faces" and Special Edition LD's and have just sold them as they are obsolete because of the SE DVD's are much better then either LD set. The DVD's that contain the Original theatrical version are of a FAR FAR less quality then the SE versions DVD's and most likely are worse then the LD's but a lot of people don't want to invest hundreds to get a player for a few films they are interested in.

[Blade]

digitalfreaknyc,

Please refrain from making condescending remarks to other members. If you think the information they are providing is wrong, simply state your opinion and why you think they are wrong.

--------------------------------

Frank S,

If you have a problem with a member, please email a moderator.

--------------------------------

If there is anything more to say about this, then please email me, but otherwise, let's try to keep this thread on topic.

Thank you.

[dizmack]

Can anyone tell me how the menus look on the 5 star versions?

[habers]

Just ordered my set yesterday, cant wait! I also ordered some gold cases to go with them. for 35.99 shipped, I couldnt resist

[Terrell]

The DVD's that contain the Original theatrical version are of a FAR FAR less quality then the SE versions DVD's and most likely are worse then the LD's but a lot of people don't want to invest hundreds to get a player for a few films they are interested in.

I guess I see what you're saying. But I have the THX Definitive Collection LD box set of the originals, and the 1997 THX Special Edition LD box set. Both of these sets have absolutely stunning transfers and incredible sound. I have a hard time believing these bootlegs are better quality than my LDs.

Oh well, no big deal.

[Mox]

dizmack,

Here's are some pics of the Five Star Collection DVD menus. The starfield in the back is animated in each menu and shows various scenes from the flicks in monotone. I took these with my dig cam from my tv and shrank em down... So the quality isn't the best but you'll get the idea.

http://members.shaw.ca/moxyandroxy/ep4.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/moxyandroxy/ep5.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/moxyandroxy/ep6.jpg

BTW, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your information and reviews of the Five Star Collection. I ordered a set a couple weeks ago based on what I read here. Mine arrived a few days ago. I couldn't be happier. They are great and I much appreciate the information you all gave me. I hadn't seen these movies in years (I don't own a VHS player and refuse to watch VHS) so this was a real treat. A long over due treat... :)

[MichaelMeyers]

I like the look of those menus, much better then some of the bootlegs that i have seen. I cannot wait for my set to arrive.

[berserker37]

Got my set yesterday, exactly 10 days after ordering them. Popped them in and briefly watched a scene from each - they all look and sound very good ("ESB" in DD 2.0, of course). However, I came upon a few problems (this is on a Sony S360 player):

Minor problem: Unable to jump to scenes on the 2nd page of "Star Wars"; not a problem on "ESB" and "ROTJ".

Major problem: Watched the making-of after the trailer on "ROTJ", and the picture kept pausing, for between a split second and as long as 10 seconds, throughout the whole program (probably 15-20 times throughout the 30 minute presentation). My fears were correct - I found this happening while skipping around through the movies also, although it seems to happen more towards the 2nd halves of the films (the 2nd layer more troublesome, perhaps?).

The surface of the discs looked perfect, but each has a "gouge" on the underside of the clear plastic center of the disc, which comes very close to the silver area.

Tried them on my Toshiba, and they seem to play OK (only had time for a brief look, but no pausing problems yet). Could be a compatability problem with the Sony. Will have to investigate further...

Anyone else notice any of these problems?
Anyone else have any experience working with Malaysian customer service?

Oh, by the way, the "AOTC" VCD is mediocre quality - both picture and sound - but worth the $6 just to be able to watch Yoda kick ass over and over...

[Binger]

This is driving me crazy. I can not find these discs on the web except Deleted - don't talk about where to get them - Static and those are going for over $75.00

[ugabuga]

Terrell

I have the 5 star also and believe me they are NOT as good as the ld's.

Deleted slightly inflammatory comment - Static

The main problem video-wise is they are very washed out compared to the lds...seriously lacking in the color area. There are a few other probs but overall they are very good especially if you aren't in the ld game.

Also as far as the dd tracks lol have anyone here actually compared them to the dd of the ld's like me.....they are quite different obviously not the dd from the ld. However, the pro-logic mix is quite good and close to the original mixes.

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by ugabuga
Terrell

I have the 5 star also and believe me they are NOT as good as the ld's.

Deleted slightly inflammatory comment - Static

The main problem video-wise is they are very washed out compared to the lds...seriously lacking in the color area. There are a few other probs but overall they are very good especially if you aren't in the ld game.

Also as far as the dd tracks lol have anyone here actually compared them to the dd of the ld's like me.....they are quite different obviously not the dd from the ld. However, the pro-logic mix is quite good and close to the original mixes.

Yes...this I noticed. I haven't had much of a chance to seriously check them out but Jedi is definitely not discrete and i'll have to check out Star Wars at a later date. I agree with this review that these bootlegs are EXCELLENT for bootlegs. However, in comparison, there is still a difference. I wouldn't say one that is huge...but enough. Enough for me to get rid of the laserdisc that I have simply because of convenience.

[DavidH]

I have a 61" 4X3 TV (ISF'd) with a Panasonic RV80 DVD player.
How are SE boots going to look on my TV? The current widescreen SE VHS are hardly watchable on this TV. The large screen size just shows how low quality VHS really is.

Will I see a BIG difference with the boots?

[Leechboy]

Originally posted by Binger
This is driving me crazy. I can not find these discs on the web except Deleted and those are going for over $75.00


I hear you. I have spent the past 2 nights looking for these things and can't find them anywhere.

EDIT: Wait a minute, I just found them.

[ransome]

Deleted. Welcome to the forum.

Originally posted by BadAsh
The focus of this thread is to supply reviews of all of the latest Star Wars bootleg DVDs. Please do not turn this thread into a begging thread for bootleg source info. I would like everyone to note that any requests for bootleg source info posted in this thread will be denied any information and will only lead to this thread being closed either by myself or the mods.

- Static

[DavidH]

I went ahead and ordered the Five Star Editions.

Is the original trillogy THAT bad? I mean is it better than the THX VHS I have?

[Terrell]

Thanks for the clarification ugabuga.:)

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by DavidH
I went ahead and ordered the Five Star Editions.

Is the original trillogy THAT bad? I mean is it better than the THX VHS I have?

Again...if you consider the voices being out of sync better than VHS...i've got a set to sell you ;)

[Frank S]

Originally posted by ugabuga
Terrell

I have the 5 star also and believe me they are NOT as good as the ld's.

Deleted slightly inflammatory comment - Static

The main problem video-wise is they are very washed out compared to the lds...seriously lacking in the color area. There are a few other probs but overall they are very good especially if you aren't in the ld game.

Also as far as the dd tracks lol have anyone here actually compared them to the dd of the ld's like me.....they are quite different obviously not the dd from the ld. However, the pro-logic mix is quite good and close to the original mixes. Well I owned both the SE and THX "Faces" LD versions of these films and they do NOT look better then the 5 Star DVD's. Deleted reply to offensive statement - Static On MY equipment I have a DVD player that scales the non-anamorphic DVD internally that gives me a much better picture with almost no artifcating like the LD's give you. I gain resolution because I don't need to use my HDTV's zoom feature to achieve the correct aspect ratio which forces you to lose resolution in doing so. I can almost bet you are watching on a small analog TV because with a larger HDTV you would not be making such statements (inflamatory as they are)!

The audio on the 5 Star edition DVD's for ANH & ROTJ are most certainly decrete. Just listen to the speeders going through the forest on ROTJ to hear the proof.

Deleted inflammatory comment - Static

[Frank S]

Deleted off-topic comments - Static

[Frank S]

Deleted off-topic comments - Static

[monkey]

Deleted off-topic comments - Static

[Frank S]

Deleted off-topic comments - Static

[Static Cling]

Thread closed so that people can take some time to cool off, and I can take some time to edit posts.

[Static Cling]

Although part of me doesn't want to, I'm reopening this thread.

People need to calm down about this subject. Moderators have had to intervene twice in the span of two or three days in this thread. That should not be necessary for any thread.

1. If you see a post that makes you angry, hit the "Report this post to a moderator" link, report the post, and then leave it alone. Seeing an offensive or off-topic post does not give you the right to post offensively or off-topic about that post. Resist the urge to reply to these kinds of posts. Be the bigger man/woman, report it, and let it go. If actions needs to be taken against someone, then it will be... by the moderators. You trying to shout someone down will accomplish nothing, and will most likely get you in trouble, as well.

2. In a related topic, let's avoid throwing around emotionally charged words like "liar," "troll," and "newbie." If you disagree with someone, say you disagree, and calmly post reasons why. Again, if action needs to be taken against someone, it will be, but by the moderators, and not you.

3. Do not ask how to get bootleg source material. I hope that's all that needs to be said about that.

Let's keep it civil in here, or the thread is going away permanently, and all future discussions on the subject will be locked as well.

Carry on. :)

[Commander Dan]

I am going to backtrack a little from all the talk regarding the new 5-star editions. I just received my Star Wars boots today of the original trilogy. It should be noted that I specifically ordered the non-SE trilogy, as this was the edition that I wanted.

I have not yet had an opportunity to view all three all the way the through, but I have made the following observation: The audio sync problems at the end of ESB are REALLY bad! I read some of the previous reviews and got the impression that it would not be too far out-of-sync, but I found it VERY noticeable and VERY distracting.

I have never seen the picture quality of the laserdiscs, but I can easily believe that they still surpass the quality of these particular DVDs. (Which I do not quite understand if the laserdiscs were the source of the transfer.) I would estimate that the quality of these DVDs is only marginally better than my VHS tapes. Still, that IS an improvement and the DVDs will (presumably) not degrade, so I plan to hang on to them.

If the original editions are still not made available in 2006 (or later) when the legitimate SE DVDs will supposedly be available, then I wonder if bootleggers will take the time to produce higher quality versions of the original non-SE trilogy at that time?

I have toyed with the idea of getting the SEs also, especially after all the buzz about the newer “high-quality” editions. However, I keep coming back to at least one thing that prevents me from doing so: “Greedo shoots first.”

[DavidH]

I wanted the originals, but since the quality is not very good, I decided to order the SE's. I want something that is noticably better than VHS - and I should get that with the SE.

Dan, I suspect that the original DVDs may not have been from the THX laser disc, and/or they just had recording problems. I have heard it is not easy to make a great recorded DVD from a laser disc, but I have never had experience with it.

I would have to imagine that some bootlegger will create the DVDs from the latest THX orginal laserdisc. If they do everything right, this MAY be THE best we will ever see them on DVD since it is clear to me that Lucas will never release the original DVDs.

On any rate, I am looking forward to getting my Five Stars. I should get them within two weeks. I have a 61" TV and I am going to directly compare them with my SE VHS.

[Frank S]

Well with the demand for the original theatrical release you'd certainly think some bootlegger would want to cash in on those who want this version only and do a far better job transfering the THX LD's to DVD.

[kajs]

First off, I just finished ROTJ (5 Star)and I think there is an audio sync problem with the first 40 minutes up to the "soon the rebellion will be crushed and young Skywalker will be one of us" line. It is very minimal but I couldn't stop thinking about it, I had to use the pro-logic for it. I kept switching and it has to be off by a fraction, the words come out of their mouths like a few frames before it happens. You can especially tell during Admiral Ackbar's speech.

Also here are some comparison shots of ESB(5 Star) to TPM DVDs.

http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/longtimeago.jpg

STAR WARS TPM / STAR WARS ESB (http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/starwarslogo.jpg) (66k)

[Frank S]

Hmmm. I didn't encounter the delay problems you did. Does it seem the DD 5.1 is decrete or matrixed to you? There is a debate over this and an extra point of view would be welcomed. Try watching the speeder chase in ROTJ as this is a good scene to judge.

[DavidH]

Kajs,

Thanks for the screen shot. Quite a difference there. You think you could do one or two more screen comparisons where there are actually characters, etc.? I know this wouldn't be a direct comparison, but it would still be good to see a difference.

Thanks!

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by Frank S
Hmmm. I didn't encounter the delay problems you did. Does it seem the DD 5.1 is decrete or matrixed to you? There is a debate over this and an extra point of view would be welcomed. Try watching the speeder chase in ROTJ as this is a good scene to judge.

I haven't had a chance to watch any of them all the way through but the little that I did play with them left me thinking that SW is the only one in true 5.1. I played Jedi and went for the scenes I KNEW would sound great in 5.1...namely the speeder and space battle. Nothing was discrete.

Frank, I may be wrong in this assumption but didn't you say the DTS discs were also discrete when they weren't? I'd have to go back to that thread and check it out.

[dizmack]

Mox,

Thank you for the images of the menu screens. I am ordering my set today. For me cover art, menu's, etc. are important. I'll suffer through any visual or audio problems just to have them in a digital format. No more rewinding! :)

[chess]

Originally posted by digitalfreaknyc
Frank, I may be wrong in this assumption but didn't you say the DTS discs were also discrete when they weren't? I'd have to go back to that thread and check it out.

sigh...

for those of us who got or will hopefully get this set via "registered mail" [10-40 days?!]...how long does it take in real life.

i'm getting antsy to see these and if it's going to be a while, it would ease my mind to know.

my set shipped 5/21 for what it's worth.

[Frank S]

Originally posted by digitalfreaknyc


I haven't had a chance to watch any of them all the way through but the little that I did play with them left me thinking that SW is the only one in true 5.1. I played Jedi and went for the scenes I KNEW would sound great in 5.1...namely the speeder and space battle. Nothing was discrete.

Frank, I may be wrong in this assumption but didn't you say the DTS discs were also discrete when they weren't? I'd have to go back to that thread and check it out. I was obviously talking to kajs not you!

Kajs, have you had a chance to listen to the scene I mentioned on ROTJ?

[TIDALWDAVE]

I got mine in three days also from Asia. Got it faster than things shipped to me from in my own state. Very fast. Shipping was only 8.00 for the 3 dvd set.

[Mox]

Free shipping here via registered mail.

I received a "your order has been shipped" E-mail on May 15th and the DVDs arrived on my doorstep May 23rd. So 8 days from Asia to Canada.

Frank,

I just listened to that speeder chase at chapter 6 of RotJ a few times and it's sooo hard to tell if it's matrixed or not. It's very enveloping. I can say I didn't notice any separation in the rears though that stood out to me.

[kajs]

Originally posted by Frank S
Kajs, have you had a chance to listen to the scene I mentioned on ROTJ?

Not yet, give me some time, and I'll try to get some more screenshots posted. I knew the trilogy would have the most screenshot worthy scenes of any movies I have. I took 158 ESB screenshots. Its looks like I can finally complete that set of Topps Widevision cards that came out about 7 years ago

[Pillowhead]

Mine shipped on the 27th. Hopefully it'll be here next week. Can't wait for these.

[ugabuga]

Well I owned both the SE and THX "Faces" LD versions of these films and they do NOT look better then the 5 Star DVD's. Deleted - Static On MY equipment I have a DVD player that scales the non-anamorphic DVD internally that gives me a much better picture with almost no artifcating like the LD's give you. I gain resolution because I don't need to use my HDTV's zoom feature to achieve the correct aspect ratio which forces you to lose resolution in doing so. I can almost bet you are watching on a small analog TV because with a larger HDTV you would not be making such statements (inflamatory as they are)!

Deleted off-topic reply to deleted comments. I deleted them for a reason. Drop it. - Static

Second my equipment list consists or Energy Veritas 2.3 for my fronts along with a veritas center. I use 4 veritas 2.'s as my surrounds for 6.1 surround sound. My receiver is the Denon 5802,DVD player is the Philips SACD 1000,Laserdisc player is the Pioneer Elite 79 along with a Sony Demodulator for DD. My subs are 2 SVS Ultras. My montior is the Sony Wega KV-40xbr700.

And your point about the 5 star dvds giving you a better picture than your lds is not valid point, as your dvd players HARDWARE is doing something that your laserdisc player cannot do. If you had a laserdisc player that could scale up a a laserdisc I GUARANTEE the picture would be better than that of the 5 Star DVDs. While I am not doubting YOU may get a cleaner picture on YOUR setup do to your dvd player, this isnt because ones picture quality is better than the other. It is because your dvd player is doing something your laserdisc player cannot.

As far as sound goes I compared the DD on my setup against the DD on all 3 bootlegs and they are NOT DD...meaning a HUGE lack in the LFE channel and no discrete sound info whatsoever. How did you compare the bootlegs to come to your conclusion that they are indeed DD?

Lastly my original post was directed to answer Terrell so I am glad I was able to give him accurate information. Like I said earlier these bootlegs are Great for bootlegs and I would not hesitate to recommend them especially if your only option is the VHS tapes. Audio-wise I personally would only use the stereo track and pro-logic it as they seem to be very accurate to the original source mix. As far as the "supposed" DD and DTS(LOL) well if you like them then that is your choice but that does not mean they are accurate to the source material.

[Lane03]

I would have to agree with Ugabuga on this one. Using your dvd player to internally "scale up" the dvd version isn't a fair way of comparing them against the LD's (unless you had a LD player that could also internally scale the lds - one doesnt exist). I too have the SE Laserdiscs and the color is much better than the 5 Star DVDs. Also, the DTS and DD tracks on these 5 stars are (in my opinion) NOT discrete (granted ANH and ROTJ are matrixed very well, but they are not discrete channels). I have listed to these discs on several different setups, and still come to the same conclusion about the soundtracks.

Now, I am not saying these discs are bad (in fact they are very good, for bootlegs) - They are just not as good as the LDs. Also, there is no way ANY copy can be better than the original source. It's just common sense.

[Static Cling]

A reminder (gee, another reminder... this feels familiar): This is an open discussion forum. Meaing, anyone with an on-topic opinion is free to weigh in on any post. If a member wants to carry on a one-on-one conversation with any other member, they should do it through e-mail or instant messaging. If you post something on here, it is fair game for anyone to respond to it... if they do it in an inappropriate way (say it with me now) the moderators will take care of it.

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by Lane03
I would have to agree with Ugabuga on this one. Using your dvd player to internally "scale up" the dvd version isn't a fair way of comparing them against the LD's (unless you had a LD player that could also internally scale the lds - one doesnt exist). I too have the SE Laserdiscs and the color is much better than the 5 Star DVDs. Also, the DTS and DD tracks on these 5 stars are (in my opinion) NOT discrete (granted ANH and ROTJ are matrixed very well, but they are not discrete channels). I have listed to these discs on several different setups, and still come to the same conclusion about the soundtracks.

Now, I am not saying these discs are bad (in fact they are very good, for bootlegs) - They are just not as good as the LDs. Also, there is no way ANY copy can be better than the original source. It's just common sense.

AMEN!!!! :) How many times does it have to be said?

I checked the discs out tonight on my system and completely agree. And yes, I DO have the laserdiscs. BOTH sets.

[kajs]

Here are a few Empire shots:

Boba Fett (http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/boba.jpg)

Luke looks pretty happy for being one frame away of getting his hand sliced off (http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/handy.jpg)

Classic Luke/Darth Shot (http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/youarenotajediyet.jpg)

Seriously, buy these now. Its worth it.

[Frank S]

The bottom line is what the end result is on my HDTV, not what the LD player "MIGHT" be able to do with the LD's if it could scale the picture! I think it's obvious the LD's would be better given it could scale and output Component signal but it doesn't. And I suspect most DVD players will present a better picture then the LD's when played through their Component outputs as well. To try and argue the "potential" superiority of one format to another newer more advanced format makes no sense. My opinion (and many others here who have both the LD's & DVD's) is that it is indeed better then the LD's and it matters not whether the DVD format has technological advantages but simply that the end result is a better picture then the LD has. And it becomes much more evident when you get in the 50" or so range HDTV's the differences.

[monkey]

Originally posted by Frank S
The bottom line is what the end result is on my HDTV, not what the LD player "MIGHT" be able to do with the LD's if it could scale the picture! I think it's obvious the LD's would be better given it could scale and output Component signal but it doesn't. And I suspect most DVD players will present a better picture then the LD's when played through their Component outputs as well. To try and argue the "potential" superiority of one format to another newer more advanced format makes no sense. My opinion (and many others here who have both the LD's & DVD's) is that it is indeed better then the LD's and it matters not whether the DVD format has technological advantages but simply that the end result is a better picture then the LD has. And it becomes much more evident when you get in the 50" or so range HDTV's the differences.

I'm sorry, Frank, but I must disagree. We're not comparing two official studio releases here. We're comparing an official LD release to a bootleg DVD release. Regardless of the infinite superiority the DVD format may have over LD, a copy of the film onto another format will not be perfectly preserved, much less improved, unless remastering is done. That holds true for essentially any medium. Others have done comparisons and concluded that the picture on the DVD is indeed slightly washed out in comparison to the LD, and there is noticeable color and definition loss.

[Terrell]

My point was not to compare formats. DVD players are capable of doing things that LD cannot. DVD also has higher resolution than the LD format. However, as has been said, comparing the DVD scaled up to LD is hardly fair at all.

My original question wwas wouldn't you be better off with the official LDs, rather than bootlegs DVDs, not produced from the originals source. I also stated I had a hard time believing, assuming a fair comparison, that botleg DVDs could compare to the LDs. My comments were based on the fact that I own the THX Definitive Collection box set, as well as the 1997 THX Special Edition box set. The picture from these sets are absolutely stunning, as well as the audio. Some of the best I've ever seen and heard in the LD format. And I've seen a lot. I used to own about 110. Now I only own the two Star Wars box sets.

My comment was not to belittle these DVD sets. I may buy these sets just for comparison sakes.

One last question. Could you make a better DVD of these movies if you create your own DVDs from one of these box sets?

Thanks for the screencaps kajs.

[Joseph B]

My original question was wouldn't you be better off with the official LDs, rather than bootlegs DVDs, not produced from the originals source. I also stated I had a hard time believing, assuming a fair comparison, that bootleg DVDs could compare to the LDs. My comments were based on the fact that I own the THX Definitive Collection box set, as well as the 1997 THX Special Edition box set. The picture from these sets are absolutely stunning, as well as the audio. Some of the best I've ever seen and heard in the LD format. And I've seen a lot. I used to own about 110. Now I only own the two Star Wars box sets.


Terrell:

It should be noted here that the video on LD is analog, and therefore a lot of factors go into how the picture will ultimately look on the screen. In your case, I'm sure you have an outstanding LD player and that contributes greatly to the image that you're able to ultimately wring out of these laserdiscs.

Those same great LD box sets played on a lower quality LD player might not look as good. (That's part of the problem with an analog format.)

If these bootleg DVDs were mastered utilizing a very good LD player then, even though there will be some degradation when transferred to DVD, they might still look better than what could be achieved playing the original LD's on a low-quality LD player.

With an analog video format there are just too many variables to consider to make blanket statements such as "The bootleg DVDs' cannot be better than the LDs". You *can* say "The bootleg DVDs cannot be better than the LD's when played on a top of the line properly maintained LD player."

I'm currently trying to decide between purchasing these bootlegs, or going the LD route. If I do go LD, I know I'll need to obtain a great player first and be sure that I have somebody near me that will be able to maintain the player. Without a great player, I'm sure it's a least potentially possible for the bootleg DVDs' to look "better", if they were mastered from a better player.

[chess]

Originally posted by Mox
Free shipping here via registered mail.

I received a "your order has been shipped" E-mail on May 15th and the DVDs arrived on my doorstep May 23rd. So 8 days from Asia to Canada.

thanks for the info! sounds like we ordered from the same place. that eases my mind a bit.

ordering bootlegs is like a box of chocolates....

just hope i get them before the weekend. :D

[digitalfreaknyc]

Originally posted by Joseph B


Those same great LD box sets played on a lower quality LD player might not look as good. (That's part of the problem with an analog format.)

I'm currently trying to decide between purchasing these bootlegs, or going the LD route. If I do go LD, I know I'll need to obtain a great player first and be sure that I have somebody near me that will be able to maintain the player. Without a great player, I'm sure it's a least potentially possible for the bootleg DVDs' to look "better", if they were mastered from a better player.

Put it this way...i have a bottom line laserdisc player...and the set looks and sounds better on THAT player than on these DVD's. Don't get me wrong...they're VERY good...for bootlegs. But that's FOR BOOTLEGS. It's not FOR AN OFFICIAL RELEASE...which the laserdiscs are.

As far as Frank S's assertion that people are arguing that this set looks and sounds better on a bootleg DVD than the original laserdiscs....well...i've looked through this thread and he's the only one claiming it. If anyone can back up this claim, please do so. I'm not attacking Frank...he's entitled to his opinion. But I'd just like to know if anyone else is feeling this way as well. This is obviously a question that is important to people.

[Mox]

Chess,

NP. They'll arrive soon I imagine. It's hard to be patient though I know!

I actually ordered a set of these back in December of last year (the DTS banner DVDs). The place took my money, sent a shipping confirmation and I waited... and waited... and waited... By Late January, I E-mailed the place back to investigate and after about 5 unanswered E-mails, I got worried. So I checked their web site and it was gone too except for a "remodeling, on vacation" or something message... Needless to say, I never received the DVDs (which was good because otherwise I never would have gotten the Five Star Set just recently). It took me about another month to get their Credit Card Transaction Company to finally issue me a refund. I was lucky I even got a refund.

The Point is, you have to be careful who you order from and it is always comforting to know others are receiving their titles from the same source you ordered.

I’ve never seen the laser discs of these. So I can’t say one way or the other. My opinion is like the others here, that these bootlegs are great quality for what they are. They aren’t without flaw though and I agree now after watching them a couple times that the color is definitely muted from what I would think it should be. This may be part of the gamma issue though. They seem to liven up (color wise) if you drop the brightness a bit on the TV as stated before. The DVDs do remain washed out however. There is a shimmer to the discs too. Sometimes it’s much more apparent than others, especially in the opening crawl (Empire’s comes to mind). There are lots of problems I could list that won’t exist on the eventual DVD releases I’m sure (whichever versions we are graced with). I would be surprised if these issues existed on the laser discs with a good player.

Bottom line is, they look and sound so much better than the only economical alternative. VHS. It’s just too much for me to invest in a laser disc player and then hunt down the titles on laser for 3 movies. This is the only choice I’ve been left with if I want to enjoy the series now. I don’t own a VHS player and my son (who’s 7) had never seen the trilogy till now. He LOVED them BTW!

If you watch these DVDs without a critical eye, grab some popcorn, and sit back, you’ll really enjoy them. They are excellent for what they are IMO. I was shocked at the quality and expected something akin to a camed telesync VCD hehe. The problems that do exist really don’t detract from the enjoyment of the movies unless you are looking for them and really not enjoying the films anyway. I’m just tickled they are as good as they are, but they will definitely be repurchased and surpassed in quality when the eventual official DVD releases arrive.

[Mox]

I just had a thought and a question. I should have thought of it earlier. Could the Five Star Collection be intentionally brighter because it was mastered in Asia where IRE level is 0 for black instead of our standard 7.5? Thus when played here, they appear a tad brighter? A couple of my DVD players have an "Enhanced Black" mode which changes the IRE level to 0 instead of 7.5 and I must say these DVDs look much better at that setting; more saturated also (I just spot checked).

[Lane03]

I'm sorry, Frank, but I must disagree. We're not comparing two official studio releases here. We're comparing an official LD release to a bootleg DVD release. Regardless of the infinite superiority the DVD format may have over LD, a copy of the film onto another format will not be perfectly preserved, much less improved, unless remastering is done. That holds true for essentially any medium. Others have done comparisons and concluded that the picture on the DVD is indeed slightly washed out in comparison to the LD, and there is noticeable color and definition loss.

Monkey, I couldnt have put it any better myself.



I just had a thought and a question. I should have thought of it earlier. Could the Five Star Collection be intentionally brighter because it was mastered in Asia where IRE level is 0 for black instead of our standard 7.5? Thus when played here, they appear a tad brighter? A couple of my DVD players have an "Enhanced Black" mode which changes the IRE level to 0 instead of 7.5 and I must say these DVDs look much better at that setting; more saturated also (I just spot checked).

No, actually it would be the opposite. I know this because I have the Japanese laserdisc of the Phantom Menace. Since the IRE level is 0 over there, it appears overlly dark here in the USA, because our black level is at 7.5 IRE.

To try and argue the "potential" superiority of one format to another newer more advanced format makes no sense. My opinion (and many others here who have both the LD's & DVD's) is that it is indeed better then the LD's and it matters not whether the DVD format has technological advantages but simply that the end result is a better picture then the LD has. And it becomes much more evident when you get in the 50" or so range HDTV's the differences.

Where did I say that the laserdisc format is superior to the dvd format? I would never make that statement, as dvd's are FAR more cabaple that laserdiscs. The point is that this dvd is a COPY of a laserdisc, so it is not like its your studio mastered dvd you pick up at Best Buy. I may not have a 50" HDTV (which I'm sure you get a less blocky picture on due to your dvd player scaling up the image), but even on my 32" I can notice the difference in COLOR. The laserdiscs are very vibrant, while the picture on the dvd's are extremely clean, the colors are vastly washed out in comparison. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. A copy cannot be better than the original source. Do you think if I copied a VHS tape onto a DVD that the dvd would have better quality than the source VHS because it is simply on a newer format?

Anyway, there's my 2 cents...

[Mox]

DOH! That's right! Thanks for the clarification Lane. I had it backwards (need more coffee, it’s still early)!

[Lane03]

Mox,

No problem, just trying to help out :) I had that thought to at first regarding the black level, till I remembered the Phantom Menace laserdisc (which is at 0 IRE)...

[DavidH]

Since the boot dvd is a dvd player (digital) format copying an analong source (laser disc) I would not expect the DVD to look exactly the same. If laser disc was digital, I would expect the copy to be the same because I thought a digital to digital transfer or copy comes out to be 100%. For example, if I burn a CD, it will sound exactly the same as the master CD because it's digital (assuming all factors remain the same, bit rate, etc.)

[Terrell]

Ron Epstein of Home Theater Forum just received the new Philips DVD recorder, and he put it through it's paces. He says it's an incredible machine. To answer your question Dave, he and his partner in the review, tested just that. They took out some of their best LDs and recorded them to DVD using the standard play setting, which gives you DVD quality recording. He went on to say that there was absolutely no loss in signal quality from the recorded DVD to the original source LD. The review stated they were indistinguishable from one another.

So it seems, that with this machine you can record LDs, and have them come out looking and sounding exactly as the LD does.
Here are the quotes directly from Ron's article.

We had taken several laserdiscs of product we knew would never be available on the DVD format and transferred it to DVD in the SP (Standard Play) mode, that allowed us 2-hour recording time with DVD quality results.

We found, upon playback, that there was absolutely no signal or resolution loss between the original source and the recorded DVD. The recorded video looked absolutely indistinguishable from its original source. Even the edit that we made upon the side changing of the laserdisc went unnoticed. The edit was perfect.

The recording was done with Standard Play level which records up to 120 minutes per disc. There is even one level recording higher than even the standard play. I just thought I post that to let you know the results.

Now, back to the discussion of the Star Wars DVDs.

[DavidH]

Well, damn. :)

These bottleggers need to get this DVD recorder and make these boots right!

[entitee]

Originally posted by DavidH
Well, damn. :)

These bottleggers need to get this DVD recorder and make these boots right!

The run times for the original trilogy all go slightly over 120 minutes.
The bootleggers have access to much better equipment since they are doing dual layered discs now.

[DavidH]

Then why dont these bootleg dvds look as good as the laser disc masters?

[moocher]

Boy, I'm glad I don't own the laserdisks. Pages upon pages of argument and backbiting over rather insignificant issues that only mean anything if you OWN the laserdisks.

I'm sure most want to know details about how these disks look and sound. Go to most any DVD review site (excluding widescreen review) and you won't find anyone comparing the DVD version of a movie to an old laserdisk version no matter whether it was mastered from the same source or not. They talk more about what they are actually seeing and hearing. Maybe if you concentrated on that, there would be less argument.

Only a thought :)...

[ugabuga]

moocher: Well comparing them to the original source is very relevant to the conversation since many here own ld's or might be interested in getting them if the bootlegs are not up to par. This comes into play when people start asking questions like "Wow there is a DTS track" for example. Anyway it has been said a number of times by myself and others that for bootlegs these are extremely well done.

DavidH: There could be many reasons why the bootlegs aren't as good a/v-wise. who knows what kind of ld player they are recording from first of all. Second anytime something is being recorded there will be degradation, even though I wonder why the lack of color is so extreme.Unfortunatley none of us really know the specifics.

[Terrell]

Boy, I'm glad I don't own the laserdisks.


Go to most any DVD review site (excluding widescreen review) and you won't find anyone comparing the DVD version of a movie to an old laserdisk version no matter whether it was mastered from the same source or not.

:lol: Well, call them old or not, they are official and legal. The transfers and soundtracks are stunning. I haven't seen the 5 star DVDs, I was only asking. But, I'd bet anything you want to bet that you take a respected magazine, have them make a fair comparison on identical equipment, and compare every aspect of these discs, and the LDs would be superior to these DVDs.

ugabuga is right that it is relevant. Nobody said the DVDs were bad. But some people that read this thread, might want to know there are still official and legal LDs out there, that probably are better than the DVDs, and less costly.

But to keep it civil, I'll cease the argument, so this thread stays on track.

[DavidH]

I just can't wait until I get these Five Stars. They shipped a couple of days ago. I am anxious to compare them to the VHS.

[vulew1]

I used my Panasonic DVD recorder to do the original trilogy and am verry happy with it. I can also not tell a difference from the LD (I'm sure there is, but I can't tell). I used the 2 hour mode and spread the Definitive Collection Trilogy over 2 double sided DVD-Rs (4 sides of SW LDs on side 1 of DVD 1, final side of SW + first 3 sides of ESB on side 2 of DVD 1 and so on). This allows watching of the entire trilogy from beginning to finish with 3 flips, one during each movie. Hey, it's better than flipping through 5 sides of LDs for each movie. Quite a fair trade-off for LD quality on DVD, I think. I actually could have fit the full movies on their own discs by using the flexible rate timer. I can set it for any length I want and it adjusts the bitrate to fill the disc while keeping the best quality possible for that time. But I didn't want to go over the SP setting and have no problems flipping once per movie. Yes, there is also a 1hr mode, but to me I only *think* I can see a slight difference, so it'd be overkill for the whole trilogy. The 2hr mode is looks great to me. I have the 5 Star DVD set, but would like to get a hold of the SE LD set and see what I can do. The 5 Star DVDs do have a problem with washed out colors and blown-out detail in bright spots. I think this is the "remastering" that is spoke of on the covers, cranking the contrast.

[moocher]

Originally posted by ugabuga
moocher: Well comparing them to the original source is very relevant to the conversation since many here own ld's or might be interested in getting them if the bootlegs are not up to par.

I don't think anyone who doesn't already have the LDs is going to go buy a player just for Star Wars and if they have a player they likely already have the LDs.

Its really kind of funny. Many people in these SW boot threads were saying to avoid the bootlegs and go buy the official LDs. Judging from this thread, it seems that the people who already have the LDs are the main ones interested in the bootlegs. Go figure...

[Lane03]

Its really kind of funny. Many people in these SW boot threads were saying to avoid the bootlegs and go buy the official LDs. Judging from this thread, it seems that the people who already have the LDs are the main ones interested in the bootlegs. Go figure...

This is probably because those of us with the LDs know our players wont last forever, and its not like we can buy a new laserdisc player when our old ones die.

Just to recap my opinions on these discs:

1. Are they better than the laserdisc? NO
2. Are they worth the purchase? YES
3. Will I be keeping my 5 Stars? YES
4. Would I recommend these to anyone? DEFINITLY
5. Are they better than the LDs from a cost standpoint? COMPLETELY

[habers]

Originally posted by Lane03

Just to recap my opinions on these discs:

1. Are they better than the laserdisc? NO
2. Are they worth the purchase? YES
3. Will I be keeping my 5 Stars? YES
4. Would I recommend these to anyone? DEFINITLY
5. Are they better than the LDs from a cost standpoint? COMPLETELY

God Bless!...Everyone, buy them now if you already haven't

[moocher]

Originally posted by Lane03
This is probably because those of us with the LDs know our players wont last forever, and its not like we can buy a new laserdisc player when our old ones die.


OK. I guess I can buy that. But if your player is still operating, you already have the best version available, why buy now?? Why not wait until your player dies?? By then, there may be a better version out. Is it just to avoid having to flip disks??

Oh, and for everybody else, I was just pointing out an irony - not looking to start an argument :).

[Get Me Coffee]

Deleted. Read the first post in this thread. - Static

[dizmack]

Originally posted by White Knight
Deleted

I'm not going to do the usual "This is not to turn into a begging for purchase information" thing.

I will. :) Deleted reply to off-topic post. - Static

[Roo]

Does anyone have any decent front & back scans of the Five Star Collection DVDs? Preferably something in the neighborhood of 350 x 480 or higher res.

[DavidH]

My Five Stars are being shipped, but I have been told they don't come in cases. What do they come in? So, I have to print off covers from somewhere?

[Mox]

They ship in a bubble envelope for protection. Each DVD is sealed in a small DVD sized plastic envelope along with cover art to slip into a keepsake case. All you need to do is purchase 3 keepsakes, insert art and DVDs, and voila!

Here's some snaps I took of mine to give you an idea...

Front (http://members.shaw.ca/moxyandroxy/front.jpg)
Back (http://members.shaw.ca/moxyandroxy/back.jpg)
The DVDs (http://members.shaw.ca/moxyandroxy/discs.jpg)

Hope that helps :)

[DavidH]

Mox,

Very nice. Where is the cheapest place to buy three keepcases? :)

[DavidH]

Well, I think I may have answered my question. I bought three single Alpha cases for 6.45 shipped at inetdvd.com.

[Get Me Coffee]

THANK YOU!!!

[enthused]

let me get this straight... you can buy the trilogy for 35.99, or you can buy each individually for 9.99/each? does this make any sense to anyone?

and does anyone know of a place to buy dvd cases that don't rape you with their shipping charges?

[Mox]

Glad I could help. I also bought a bunch of keepsakes a few months back from inetdvd.com. They do rape you on shipping however. Unfortunately, I then found keepsake cases locally for around a dollare each. ARG.

Enthused,

I believe the site you're talking about that sells them for $9.99 individually is not selling the Five Star Collection ones for that price (e-mail them to be sure, I could be wrong). The specs are different though on the singles than the 3 pack of the Five Star for $35.95. So it's probably one of the other DVD versions of the trilogy and not the Five Stars and thus the difference in price.

The only site I've seen selling the Five Star Collection DVDs individually was for $13.99 each (plus $5.00 more for shipping). They also carry the set for $35.95.

[enthused]

ok thanks, mox.

where did you get your cases from? do music stores like sam goody or tower sell them?

[Mox]

Enthused,

Those would be great places to check I imagine. Call around maybe.

My local A & B Sound is where I saw spare keepsakes for sale.

[mdX]

would someone who recently got the 5-star editions and has a scanner be willing do scan these so I can put them up on dvdcoverart for others?

drop me an email (see profile) if ya can plz

[phraseturner]

mdx--

you got mail x3.

let me know if those scans will work... i have a new scanner and haven't fiddled with it much.

[DavidH]

I called Circuit City ahout keep cases and they are charging 4-8.00 a piece!

[DVDude!]

Do all the companies that offer these discs ship them without cases? Has anyone received the cases too? Thanks.

[electrolite]

When I ordered my set about a month ago, they came in cases and shrinkwrapped.

The cases are quite crappy and they smell pretty bad. I had to spray cologne on the disc and cases to keep it from stinking up my dvd rack. :(

[nico95]

Just ordered the 5 stars! Cant wait!:D

[chess]

FYI: 25 cases for $16 shipped. you'll use them eventually, believe me.

http://www.shop4tech.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?choice=accessories&&subchoice_1=dvd%20case

[mdX]

could someone with both the DTS set and the 5-star set do some screen grabs for me? I'm still unsure if the marginally increased sharpness is worth sacrificing proper brightness/contrast (those are the only differences between the two sets, correct?)

TIA

[Frank S]

Originally posted by mdX
could someone with both the DTS set and the 5-star set do some screen grabs for me? I'm still unsure if the marginally increased sharpness is worth sacrificing proper brightness/contrast (those are the only differences between the two sets, correct?)

TIA No, The sound is much improved as well!

[Dragon Fly]

yeah, these star wars dvds would be great, if mine werent seized by customs.......

[habers]

Originally posted by Dragon Fly
yeah, these star wars dvds would be great, if mine werent seized by customs.......

wha? explain, how did you find out they were seized by customs? why were they seized, because they were bootlegs?

m nervous now, mine are in transit...

[habers]

Originally posted by chess


gulp...mine too.

yours got seized too? or you just nervous?

[Frank S]

Now lets now all get paranoid here! One person has a shipment that is stuck in a shipping facility doesn't mean it is seized! Most likely it's been damaged badly or something and when that happens a lot of times it just sits there until the shipper/receiver have them investigate. Not a single person has had a DVD seized to date so lets all calm down.

[Dragon Fly]

Originally posted by Frank S
Now lets now all get paranoid here! One person has a shipment that is stuck in a shipping facility doesn't mean it is seized! Most likely it's been damaged badly or something and when that happens a lot of times it just sits there until the shipper/receiver have them investigate. Not a single person has had a DVD seized to date so lets all calm down.

Considering that I called FedEx and inquired as to why mine were sitting in a sorting facility. They told me customs seized them and would be contacting me. :-\ yee ha.

[Jmhouse]

Need....assistance.........almost...out... of...... air. {Dramatic Pause}.....Please.....help...send..information, .....gasp

[Jmhouse]

Do not underestimate the power of the dark side. I will have my way, and the circle will be complete. I will be able to watch Star Wars on DVD before 2006. ;)

[ChicagoDVD]

Received my 5 stars today - from malaysia - took about 2 weeks to chicago. They are *****ing Increadible...They came by way of Fed Ex...I paid $35.99...I am in heaven now....now if i could only find a damn job...good luck to all waiting for them it is worth it....they came in buble wrap with the covers only...i stole 10 AOL DVD cases from my mail room....i suggest u do the same if you live in an apt. building....

[DVD-ho78(DTS)]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their insight and information on these DVDs.

I received mine last Wednesday. It only took 3 days to receive them via FEDEX. I paid 101.00 for two sets shipped. Sold my extra set on eBay for 90.00

The quality is so good I watched all 3 movies twice except for ROTJ. Watched it once and parts a second time. I did notice some lip sync problems in ROTJ that kajs mentioned about the first 40 mins, but that was mainly because I was looking for it.

This is definitely the set to buy. :)

[Y2K Falcon]

Originally posted by Jmhouse
Need....assistance.........almost...out... of...... air. {Dramatic Pause}.....Please.....help...send..information, .....gasp

Are you a Bothan? If so, you will probably die trying to get the information.

[kajs]

Originally posted by DVDjunkie78
[BI did notice some lip sync problems in ROTJ that kajs mentioned about the first 40 mins, but that was mainly because I was looking for it.
[/B]

I know, I'm sorry I said it, it is practically unnoticeable unless you heard someone else say it. But switching back to 5.1 from Pro-Logic is no big deal for me.

[DVD-ho78(DTS)]

Originally posted by kajs


I know, I'm sorry I said it, it is practically unnoticeable unless you heard someone else say it.

Don't worry about. It didn't detract from my viewing experience. After I noticed it I didn't pay much attention to it, and there isn't a lot of dialogue from humans (close up) to begin with. :)

[Frank S]

Originally posted by Dragon Fly


Considering that I called FedEx and inquired as to why mine were sitting in a sorting facility. They told me customs seized them and would be contacting me. :-\ yee ha. Well that definately means yours was siezed! That sucks!

I had 5 sets shipped to me FexEx 2-day and it came through fine so it looks like you got caught in that bootleg sting thyer were doing a couple weeks ago! Mine had been opened for inspection and the bill of lading said it was Japanese Gundum (or something like that) even thought when opened it obviously is Star Wars.

[jfinesse2000]

(removed info regarding Attack of the Clones bootlegs -Blade)

[shakesdclown]

(removed info regarding Attack of the Clones bootlegs -Blade)

[Mountain Biker]

Originally posted by ChicagoDVD
i stole 10 AOL DVD cases from my mail room....i suggest u do the same if you live in an apt. building....

:lol: Such sound advice that is...


I already have my cases (purchased ;) ) with original cover art...now I just need the DVD's to complete them. I should be receiving them sometime next week...can't wait!

[Mox]

(removed info regarding Attack of the Clones bootlegs -Blade)

[ChicagoDVD]

Deleted the first of many pointless bickering posts - Static

[Mountain Biker]

Deleted off-topic post - Static

[ChicagoDVD]

Blah blah blah bickering deleted

[Mountain Biker]

Deleted

[ChicagoDVD]

Deleted

[Mountain Biker]

Deleted

[Dragon Fly]

I'll let you guys know what happens with my situation. I'm not too thrilled here, but what can ya do. Guess i'll be waiting for another 4 years to buy the dvds again.

[ChicagoDVD]

Deleted

[Mountain Biker]

Deleted

[DavidH]

Just a question. If you DVD gets seized, what happens? Do they contact you? Or, is it just a loss of 35.99 or whatever you paid?

[Dragon Fly]

Originally posted by DavidH
Just a question. If you DVD gets seized, what happens? Do they contact you? Or, is it just a loss of 35.99 or whatever you paid?

Well, That's what I was wondering. I shold be getting a letter from customs this week to let me know what's up. I called the place i got them from and told them what happened and they are going to issue me a credit for what i paid. (hopefully)

[darkessenz]

Well, That's what I was wondering. I shold be getting a letter from customs this week to let me know what's up. I called the place i got them from and told them what happened and they are going to issue me a credit for what i paid. (hopefully)

Dragonfly do you know what day your order shipped? Mine was shipped on the 29th...and I am praying that it did not get seized...

[Blade]

Originally posted by jfinesse2000
(removed info regarding Attack of the Clones bootlegs -Blade) Please remember, no discussion about Attack of the Clones bootlegs.

[chess]

i have a registered mail package waiting for me at the post office. should ease a few minds out there...about customs and whatnot.

i'll post my thoughts tomorrow.

going back to delete some of my more "chatty" posts...suggest others do the same.

[Dragon Fly]

Mine had shipped on 5/23/02 if that helps anyone.

[Dilligas]

Mine shipped 5/23 too and I picked it up from the post office this morning.

[ChicagoDVD]

Deleted

[chess]

http://abacus.sj.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_40bd5c58eda8a9e3db14b44a34/i-1.JPG

sing with me...
<h2>STAR WARS, MFin' STAR WARS, MFin' Star Wars, on DVD!</h2>
I picked up the 5-star set around 10:00 this morning and spent about 1.5 hours skipping around on all three disks.

I found the video/audio to be fairly uniform throughout the set, so I will review them "in general" rather than individually.

All letter grades are on the "bootleg scale"...I'd be much less forgiving of an official release.

VIDEO

B+ (very close to an A-...if this were an official release, it would be a C-)

it's important to note here that I am viewing this set on a fairly large (61" Sony non-HDTV) monitor. Large sets really bring out even the slightest of irregularities in a transfer, so most of the below will be a non-issue if you have a "normal" sized set.

The previous comments about "grainy" or "soft" pictures look more to me like the slight artifacting that the last generation MPEG encoding on LDs is prone to. It is NOT the sort of thing that I think you'd even notice on a 40" or smaller set. I played with my levels a bit, and as I darkened/sharpened the picture, the artifacting got more noticeable. I think the guys who did the transfer picked a pretty good medium between "soft" and "pixelriffic".

I can't say whether this set compares favorably with the original LD source. I'll just let the 3 of you who still own LD players sort that out. To most people here, I suspect it's a moot point, and I've never seen the LD set on MY home theater anyway. I can happily confirm, though, that the video looks infinitely better than my 1997 widescreen VHS set and compares favorably with studio releases of films from the same era (specifically with Jaws and the Road Warrior).

AUDIO

A- (for good 2.0 and solid LFE...if it were an official release, the lack of discrete surrounds would kill its grade)

I followed prior advice and played SW and RotJ in DD 5.1 and played ESB in 2.0. My setup is "mid-fi" or so, consisting of a Pioneer 509 DD/DTS receiver, Energy eXL-16 mains/surrounds, an eXL center, and two Sony SAWM-40 subs.

The audio is where the 5-star set really shines. I don't think I realized until today just how much LFE the trilogy had. Hearing the mirror in my kitchen rattle as a star destroyer passed over was worth the price of admission alone. At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, I think hearing this audio on my setup is going to be like "seeing (or hearing as it were) these movies for the first time". It's a whole new experience...seriously, it's very very immersive. I barely talked myself into coming back to work. :)

I doubt the presence of LFE will be anything special for the LD owners out there, but for those of you who have been watching this on VHS for 20 years and have decent home theaters w/ subwoofers...BE PREPARED.

As to whether the audio is discrete in the rears...I don't think so, but I had to really listen closely to a few very select scenes to decide...plus i had to sit outside of the soundfield to notice. To me, that is indicative of a very good 2.0 mix, and I'm not complaining.

MENUS, PACKAGING & EXTRAS

B+ (a little quirky here and there, but overall :up: )

Menus are functional (meaning they all seem to work) and attractive, but not "studio" by any stretch of the imagination...the main theme plays in the background. I rarely use the chapter select menu, but I must say that these are surprisingly good for a boot.

The trailer is the one from the "Special Edition" re-release in '97. I didn't dig very deep, but I didn't see the original trailers anywhere. I'm told that a documentary follows the trailer on RotJ, but I didn't get a chance to check it out.

The inserts are pretty good overall. They are printed on a decent stock paper with passable English (hey, that's half the battle with boots). The covers of SW and RotJ look very tasteful to my eye. I like ESB a little less as the design doesn't seem consistent with the other 2. For some reason, they decided to port the "catch phrase" from TPM on the top of each cover, so you'll now have 4 DVDs in your collection with the words "Every saga has a beginning" on them. It may just be an oddity with my set, but the gold on the ESB cover looks a bit "washed out" compared to the other 2...nothing the untrained eye would ever notice though. For some reason my set came with "DVD 9" stickers on the covers, but they peeled off with minimal effort.

The print on the actual disks looks very professional...almost official.

GENERAL THOUGHTS

:up:

Well done...I honestly can't imagine having an urge to upgrade this set until the official release. What more needs to be said?

After getting $25 for my VHS set on Half.com...I figure I spent about $11 for all 3 DVDs and another buck each for the cases. Had I spent 5 times what I did, I wouldn't lose a wink of sleep tonight as they'd have been worth it.

In a word (or two): BUY THESE!

-chess :whofart:

Big shout out to "dgc" for the info and the linkie that workie! ;)

[Mox]

Great review Chess! Thank-you! Glad you're enjoying the discs!

[DavidH]

Chess,

I too have a 61" Sony 4X3 TV (non-HDTV) and a similar audio set-up. I'm glad to hear what you did. My DVDs were shipped last week and I will post my review when I get them.

I'm glad to hear they are much better than the widescreen VHS. That is all I need to know!

[Get Me Coffee]

I wonder what Lucas thinks of these 5 star DVD's? For that matter ...do you think he's checking out how long ebays list is with star wars DVD's?

[mdX]

Originally posted by kajs
Here are a few Empire shots:

Boba Fett (http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/boba.jpg)

Luke looks pretty happy for being one frame away of getting his hand sliced off (http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/handy.jpg)

Classic Luke/Darth Shot (http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/007/youarenotajediyet.jpg)

Seriously, buy these now. Its worth it.

did you crop these at all? the AR on them is ~2.50:1, when it should be closer to 2.35:1...

[kajs]

No cropping was done except to remove the "black bars"

I thought on the VHS SE's the ratio wasn't even 2.35:1. I even thought these shots were lower than 2.35:1

[Mountain Biker]

Deleted

[kajs]

Does this crap always have to happen?

[dgc]

Originally posted by chess
Big shout out to "dgc" for the info and the linkie that workie! ;)

No problem Chess. Glad to see you got hooked up and are now enjoying them. Just do me one favor.....

Feel free to field all the email requests from now on. I quit!!!! :lol: :p

Seriously though, after answering 70+ email requests for info, I'm done. Email someone else because I wont reply.

[Static Cling]

chess, thank you for that outstanding review.

Because this thread has hit page 8, I'm closing it because of its length.

However, because:

1. It seems like we've gotten enough review information about these newly released "Five Star" DVDs, and

2. This subject/thread seems to be a magnet for people who do not have enough self-control to follow forum rules and avoid pointless bickering,

there will be no Star Wars DVDs - Reviews - Part 3 thread. This decision may change in the future, but right now I think plenty of information exists in the existing two threads. Please do not start any threads on this topic, because they will be closed. Thanks to all the people who have provided valuable input in this last two threads. :up: