gp1086

I'm looking at finally picking up the original Star Wars trilogy on DVD. Does anyone know a good website that compares all the versions/releases for what is featured (i.e. theatrical included?, special features contained, etc.).

As I'm sure many of you are aware, there are tons of releases/versions and I'm trying to figure out which will suit me best.

Thanks!

Obi-Wanma

There's 3 box sets, and 2 individual releases on DVD (not counting "full screen" releases, because nobody wants those). The movie discs are exactly the same in all of them. One box set contains a bonus disc, one includes the theatrical releases, and there's a version of individual releases with and without the theatricals. All of them are long out of print and ridiculously overpriced if you can find them.

The origninal box set (Silver box) has a bonus disc, and has a bonus disc not available with any other release: http://www.amazon.com/Trilogy-Empire...ords=star+wars

Then there's this box set, which contains exactly the same discs as the other box set, but no bonus disc: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trilogy-W...ars+a+new+hope

This box set contains the same discs as the previous release, but it also includes a second disc for each film with the theatrical version (in non-anamorphic widescreen): http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trilogy-W...ars+a+new+hope

Then there's the individual releases,

These ones contain just the altered versions, the same discs as in all three sets above:
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Epis...ars+a+new+hope
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Epis...e+strikes+back
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Epis...rn+of+the+jedi

And these contain the same discs as the third box set above (altered versions + theatrical versions in non-anamorphic widescreen):
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Two-...ars+a+new+hope
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Epis...e+strikes+back
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Vers...rn+of+the+jedi

gp1086

You're the man! I should pay you commission on my purchase.

Thinking I'm just going to buy the used 2 disc versions of each disc - the new prices are insane. Not a huge Star Wars fan, but just want to have in my collection.

Thanks again!

gp1086

Also found a good summary at the following page for those interested in the future:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Wars_DVD_releases

Shannon Nutt

If I were the OP, I'd try to track down the versions with the original theatrical versions on them. Yes, they're crappy transfers, but it's probably the ONLY time Lucas will release these on DVD, Blu-ray or any other future format.

gp1086

That's what I did. Got the 2 disc widescreen DVDs from 2006, which have the original theatrical cut as the second desk. Including $2.98 shipping for each, they ran me $23.98 (A New Hope), $15.38 (Empire Strikes Back), $16.18 (Return of the Jedi). In total, $55.54, which is a lot to pay for 3 used DVDs, but I think they're just going to be harder and harder to find in the future.

Unfortunate how he's not willing to release them on blu ray. That would be an easy buy.

MTRodaba2468

When the 2-disc sets with the theatrical versions were first released, I bought those, and then I bought the bonus disc from the original box set separately. That way, out of the various DVD releases, I could have a "complete" set.

sracer

I just did the same thing today, but I ended up paying more in the Amazon Marketplace because the description of the cheaper copies failed to mention that both discs were included. I didn't want to take any chances, so I only purchased them from a seller who explicitly stated that both discs were included.

gp1086

Out of curiosity, do you remember approx how much the 2-disc DVDs with the theatrical version were selling for when you bought them new in 2006?

Ah - probably a good idea. Fingers crossed for mine. All the sellers had 97%+ feedback rating.

Obi-Wanma

I think I got mine for 14.99 apeice at Circuit City.

milo bloom

According to DVDAficionado, the MSRP was $29.98. So figure in the usual store discounts.

jjcool

Another option, depending on how much turnover your local Best Buy gets is their Tin box set. Those had the Original Originals in there as well, didnt they? I know I saw a copy at my local best buy a couple of months ago.

John Pannozzi

Does this release include the original editions?

fmdragon

Indeed it does. The original trilogy set is a repackage of the individual releases from 2006 if memory serves me correctly.

gp1086

The original trilogy was selling for very expensive prices (even used) when I looked a couple days ago.

Fok

Wow I can't believe how much these DVDs are going for now. I bought them all when they first came out and for a while there were tons available. I wonder if the VHS tapes would be worth something

milo bloom

I see the VHS tapes in thrift stores all he time. If you want them you could probably pick up a set with a weekends worth of scavenging.

gp1086

Think the VHS tapes are going pretty cheap used on Amazon.