Stars Wars on DVD... just how we remembered it...

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

I remember those words from almost thirty years ago. I was five years old at the time reading those words scrolling across the celluloid screens for the first time. Nothing like it hit the screens before or since. It's like a fairy tale turned into a fantasy.

Then the music poured through the speakers with a bombastic note. For better or worse, Star Wars changed the face of science fiction.

And for the next six years, we followed the adventures of the lone Jedi knight on a quest to turn his father back to his good side. Still training, as in the old traditions, Luke Skywalker became a force to be reckon with. The Empire Strikes Back further embellished the rogue character of Han Solo and his romancing of Princess Leia while Return of the Jedi brought everything into a full circle.

Now, on Sept. 12, you’ll be able to see these films again on DVD. The original, original versions.

Not the crappy version where Greedo shoots and miss at point blank range.

And the version where you get to see the ghostly Anakin Skywalker played by a pudgy, older actor who looks more like your friendly uncle or grandfather. Not Christian Haydenson.

The screeching, fingernails-to-chalkboard voice of Boba Fett will be all back in its ship-shape form. And several other bits and pieces.

These are the versions enjoyed by the first generation of fans who stood in line for hours to get tickets for the films. One of the earliest memories I have is people standing around the corner down the street outside of the Waupaca theater.

It’s part of nostalgia. That’s why some people were upset when movie tycoon George Lucas fiddled with the originals so he could try to get it into perfection. Some people complain that these things should be left alone. It’s really Lucas’ works. So he can do what he wants with them.

But I can also see the point-of-view made by disgruntled fans. They don’t want someone messing with their childhood memories. And it’s like putting into one too many ingredients into the mix.

Of course, putting the original versions on DVD will put more chunks of change into Lucas’ pockets. Like doesn’t he already have more than a millions dollars. I'm sure he's got a swimming pool filled with money.

I always did prefer the original version of the cantina scene where Solo blows away Greedo. It establishes his character. He’s supposed to be someone with a mean steak. The shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later really became his trademark. Some of the alterations weren’t really thought-out.

It feels like the thirty-second Kennedy assassination footage where everyone keeps going at it at every angle. Where to start?

Lucas was quoted as saying he didn’t want Solo to be such a cold person. Hell, Solo’s supposed to be delivering illegals for his fat, slug boss. He’s not going to be a nice guy. And the arguments could go on and on.

Some fans really do feel that the original versions are timeless, meant to be savored for years to come.

They’ll be finally getting that piece of history, digitally restored, on DVD. There’ll be a time to rejoice by fans, who had longed to see these versions come out for prosperity. And I’m sure Lucas will be counting his dollars again.

I'm surprised I haven't done a Star Wars blog until now. It's been a long time coming. Or maybe I'm just a procrastinator? Could be.

I never really had too many problems with the prequels eeked out to finish the epic father/son storyline first hinted way back in 1977. In many ways, it’s amazing how much of the plot had been dilligently thought out way back when. And how much Lucas put his own money into financing the rest of the story 17 years after. I thought Revenge of the Sith was the best of the bunch.

But these prequels really don’t have the charm and mischief like the originals of Luke, Han and Leia. I suppose that’s how people remembered it.

And besides, for the record, Solo shot first.