If there was ever a boxset, this is how I would want it to look:

DISC 1: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (movie)
- New anamorphic transfer.
DISC 2: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (bonus features)
- Same extras as previously made available.

DISC 3: Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (movie)
- Same as previously made available.
DISC 4: Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (bonus features)
- Same extras as previously made available.

DISC 5: Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (movie)
- Same as previously made available.
DISC 6: Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (bonus features)
- Same extras as previously made available.

DISC 7: Episode 4: A New Hope (movie - 1977 version)
- New anamorphic transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 EX.
DISC 8: Episode 4: A New Hope (movie - 2004 version)
- Same as previously made available.

DISC 9: Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back (movie - 1980 version)
- New anamorphic transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 EX.
DISC 10: Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back (movie - 2004 version)
- Same as previously made available.

DISC 11: Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (movie - 1983 version)
- New anamorphic transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 EX.
DISC 12: Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (movie - 2004 version)
- Same as previously made available.

DISC 13: Star Wars: Original Trilogy (bonus features)
- Same as previously made available.

DISC 14: From the Vault
- The Making of Star Wars (1979 documentary, 50 minutes)
- Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983 documentary, 45 minutes)
- From 'Star Wars' to 'Jedi': The Making of a Saga (1985 documentary, 65 minutes)
- R2-D2: Beneath the Dome (2002 documentary, 20 minutes)
- Deleted Scenes
- Shooting Scripts
- Storyboards
- Conceptual Art
- Character Bios
- Production Notes

DISC 15: Caravan of Courage / The Battle for Endor
- Same as before, just on a dual-layer disc.

DISC 16: Droids
- Episodes 1 - 7
DISC 17: Droids
- Episodes 8 - 15

DISC 18: Ewoks
- Episodes 1 - 9
DISC 19: Ewoks
- Episodes 10 - 17
DISC 20: Ewoks
- Episodes 18 - 26

DISC 21: The Clone Wars
- Episodes 1 - 25
- Bonus features as made available on both DVDs.

I'm sure one can add a few more DVDs, but logically, we're going to get what has been currently made available due to Lucasfilm. As much as I want the Christmas Special on DVD, I don't think it'll ever happen.

You got to be kidding! This topic has been done to death. Re-animated and done to death again.

HAN SHOT FIRST

Not much.

I honestly think the people that are so adamant about the original versions are a very small (but obviously vocal) minority and among that small group of people the percentage that understands the non-anamorphic issue and boycotted last years releases accordingly is equally and exponentially small.

Basically, releasing non-anamorphic versions of the original trilogy turned off a small portion of the already-small number of people who were interested in them in the first place.

It's funny, the fact that the individual/OT releases were non-anamorphic pretty much amounted to a "stay of execution" to the "George Lucas raped my childhood" nuts. Instead of looking at the poor sales and going "look, when it comes to real-world consumer interest your average Star Wars fan simply doesn't care about the films as originally presented" they can play the "non-anamorphic" card and maintain that the OT sales would blow everyone's minds if only they were properly presented in anamorphic widescreen.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the theatrical versions being presented in a way that utilizes the full extent of whatever video format they're issued on and ideally every version of every film would be readily available on DVD, preferably together (I'm a nut for stuff like the "Dawn of the Dead" box set that includes all three notable versions) and in my eyes anamorphic transfers on the "OOT" are one of the big "draws" that could be included in the "Saga" box set BUT I'm realistic enough to understand that when it comes to "Star Wars" (or anything else that has a strong presence online) you simply cannot draw a direct correlation between what SEEMS to have massive sales potential and what actually does.

I mean, if the internet was a sure-fire indicator of success based on buzz "Snakes on a Plane" and "Grindhouse" woulda been the most popular movies of all time and the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy would have flopped.

I disagree, but you are right about the vocal ones though. I think the majority PREFER the Unaltered Trilogy over the Special Editions, but a small minority of fans are the ones that are the most vocal.

The bottom line is if Lucas only released the Unaltered Version of the OT in 2004, do you think there would be an internet buzz about putting out the SE? They would have been forgotten by now, because every SW fan I know likes some of the SE changes, but puts up with all the bad stuff, and I have yet to hear someone say, "I love the SE!!!"

It is just like the E.T. Special Edition & Unaltered Versions in 2002, originally it was just going to be the SE with the cops with the walkie talkies instead of guns, and I was mad that they weren't putting out the unaltered versions, but I still would have bought it if Spielberg ONLY put out the Special Edition, but of course I prefer the unaltered versions.

People just wanted SW on DVD in any form in 2004, and alot of fans just don't want to keep paying and paying for these movies, but the bottom line is that the majority of the fans prefer the unaltered versions over the special editions if they are both given the proper restoration.

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=491931
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=479725

All this gets discussed here and there around these parts.

Oh, so it IS based simply on wishful thinking. thanks!

That's probably right, but it's also probably right that the average Joe doesn't care enough about the differences to buy the Star Wars trilogy again and again. Not to mention that for a whole new generation, the SE are the *only versions* they've seen. If Lucasfilm puts the trilogy out again with bells and whistles, anamorphic original version, etc. a whole ton of people are gonna say "I already have those movies." The only thing to do is put the current versions on moratorium for a while and try a re-release in a few years. I doubt that a 30th anniversary release would sell in the numbers Lucasfilm wants.

I agree with ya that the 30th Anniversary set won't sell as well to the average SW fan as many think. It is just like any DVD after it is released, you have to have something that appeals to the diehards. I have the Indiana Jones Boxset, so I have no reason to buy the movies ever again except for HD-DVD down the road, and the same goes for SW to so many fans. But remastering the OOT, appeals to a base of OT diehards and some older 'nostalgic' fans who grew up with the movies. I just don't see putting out the PT movies with a CG Yoda and more updates to the OT-SE warranting a mass of people who will shell more money out, and I am a diehard fan, but that does nothing for me. Plus we have all seen the bonus footage over the years, heck even the deleted scenes were released once about 10 years ago, and you can find them online somewhere.

I agree with ya that Lucas has milked the cow way too much in the past few years, and he should have just done the first set the right way with both versions, but now all he has left is the diehard OOT fans and the Saga fans who want the deleted scenes inserted in the PT movies, and more updates to the OT.

when that complete set gets released it will jump to the top of the all time DVD sales charts

if you think there isn't a gigantic demand for this set you're either just not paying attention or you're mistaken in your opinion

many, many, many people will double dip on that set b/c Lucasfilm has a lot of stuff it up its sleeve that will see the light of day for the first time on that set

believe it

If we wait another 10 years or so they'll probably release it on HDDVD or Blu Ray.

Wow. Great idea for a "complete" Star Wars set.

May I add these to the Vault disc (14):

-All of the theatrical teasers, trailers, and TV spots for each film's original release and re-releases (including Special Editions)
-Commercials for Kenner Star Wars action figures, C3PO's cereal, and other assorted vintage promos and ads
-Sketches from The Muppet Show episode with guest star Mark Hamill
-Sesame Street appearances by C3PO and R2-D2
-Star Wars Screen Tests skit from Saturday Night Live

I've actually been considering this for awhile, and I think the best thing they could do is a limited reissue of the the old black box set. The original versions of the original trilogy, cleaned up and anamorphic. Maybe just include the interviews and video release trailers that were on the VHS and LD.

I think this is a situation where "less is more". They keep messing around with all the different versions, and I think one good release would restore a lot of consumer goodwill.

No, like I said, while there hasn't been an official announcement (my guess is that we'll get one on May 25th) reputable people within LucasFilm have stated that work is being done and the fact that every single holiday season since 2001 has had a high-profile LucasFilm release pretty much proves it.

The 30th Anniversary is also being celebrated and promoted in every other aspect of "Star Wars" merchandising.

It's not "wishful thinking" on my part. Though I admit that I'll almost definitely buy whatever LucasFilm releases this year I also have to say that I'm pretty satisfied with what I already own and buying the "Star Wars" saga yet again isn't exactly something that gets my heart racing. In spite of the fact that I'm not really all that interested in what they have in the works it's pretty apparent that the 30th Anniversary will be observed and there's plenty of evidence to support that.

Lucas will not shoot the works and release a "complete" collection until he's certain that he's milked all the money possible from the franchise.

As for the next release, I figure he's waiting to see if HD or Blu-Ray takes off and makes it profitable enough to release the series on one or (more likely) both formats, or if he should wait until the next tech advance.

I definitely get the classic "sour graping" vibe that's essentially the opposite of "wishful thinking" where people are doubting something that's practically a given because they want what they have to be "the best".

It's one of the most common things on the internet. I understand it to a point. Like I said, I'm satisfied with what I have when it comes to "Star Wars" on DVD and I know the feeling that an impending release somehow invalidates what you already own.

Still, it's time to face the facts:

1: it's the 30th Anniversary of "Star Wars".

2: the fact that work for this DVD set has been underway for years has been acknowledged

3: LucasFilm always has a high profile Holiday release.

4: A holiday release would likely be announced right around the time the actual anniversary hits (May 25th) which happens to be during the time the "Star Wars Celebration IV" is being held (May 24-28)

If a comprehensive and elaborate 30th Anniversary saga-spanning box set isn't announced during Celebration IV for a holiday release I will gladly bump this thread and admit that I'm wrong but I'm absolutely confident that it will happen.

I mean, the idea of LucasFilm choosing the 30th Anniversary to sit out the holiday DVD buying season is absolutely insanely ludicrous.

This is NOT the 30th Anniversary people! Those Films do NOT exist any longer. Nor do the fans (like myself) who saw the original in the theater at the age of 12. (Yes he raped my childhood) So in short, you will get the 30th Anniversary Edition in 2027 as the first film was released in 1997!

Wouldn't he look really stupid putting out a 30th set when he claims those films no longer exist? But then again he releases inferior transfers of the OT and says "lookie lookie they arent selling!"

As much as I loved Star Wars, I kinda wish they had never been made now.....

Now this is just ridiculous.

Regardless of your opinion that it's not the 30th Anniversary there's already a mountain of 30th Anniversary merchandise currently available and stuff like the aforementioned Celebration IV commemorating it.

Newsflash: Lucas finally caved and released the original versions and even though they were released using outdated laserdisc transfers there's really no validity in bitching that "he claims those films no longer exist".

Like I said before, the difference between anamorphic and non-anamorphic is negligible to the vast majority of DVD buyers so I don't think including anamorphic versions of the OOT would cause a massive sales boost but it is one of the areas of improvement that could be touted as a valid "upgrade" when the inevitable 30th Anniversary saga box set is announced and they've had a whole year to rectify the "anamorphic" situation anyway.

I'm fairly confident that a 30th Anniversary 6-film box set will be available by the end of the year but when it comes down to what's included it's pretty much anyone's guess but I think it's well within the realm of possibility that the original versions would be included again and given an anamorphic upgrade in the process.

Really?

http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2020

When it comes to something like "Star Wars" you can never rule out the possibility that a degree of secrecy is being maintained before a big official announcement.

Like I said, just wait until the late-May timeframe. If that comes and goes without an announcement I'll gladly admit I'm wrong.

I mean, if they plan on making a big deal of such an announcement Steve Sansweet of all people knows better than to unceremoniously let the cat out of the bag in an interview.

You have an opinion. You are insecure in that opinion because you feel the need to label any view that differs from yours as "ludicrous" and "ridiculous".

Does anyone really care if you believe that you are wrong or admit it? I don't.

Well, that settles it. If Steve Sansweet says "We have no plans for any DVD releases in the near term", that means that there is definitely a DVD release imminent.

I'd add the Boba Fett cartoon from the Holiday Special and classic Kenner toy commercials, but otherwise this looks like a definitive set.

Don't forget SPFX: The Making of the Empire Strikes Back to that list!!!

Wow! How definitive could this box set possibly be?

But I back my opinion up with evidence and reason. I'm just absolutely at a loss as to how anyone could think that LucasFilm doesn't have something big planned for the 30th anniversary of "Star Wars". It literally makes no sense.