An Open Letter To George Lucas
Dear Mr. Lucas: I’m writing to vent my frustration over your refusal to release ANY of the Star Wars movies on DVD. What the hell is Lucasfilm waiting for? DVD is the fastest growing format in the history of electronics. Certainly, one of the BEST films ever made should be on the best format our planet currently has to offer. I know you want to release a very special edition of all the films once they are all made. However, why not release “just” each awesome movie in the meantime? I would certainly purchase the VSE edition when it comes out and be thrilled at all the whiz-bang features I’m sure you’ll include. I’m certain many other people will follow suit. Due to the current situation, Star Wars fans have three choices: 1) Purchase pirated DVDs 2) Purchase pan-and-scan SE VHS tapes 3) Purchase the LDs I have chosen to purchase the inferior THX® Certified LaserDiscs of the “Original Trilogy.” It’s unfortunate that the LDs are the BEST option Lucasfilm has afforded fans. I NEVER thought I would buy a LaserDisc player but your reluctance to release any of the Star Wars films on DVD has prompted me to take drastic action. Star Wars deserves to be on DVD! Many people will be happy if “only” each movie is included with an anamorphic transfer and possibly the trailer. What Say You?
Fred Danowski
Editor Gary Reber Comments:
It is sad that Lucasfilm is apparently mute about the on-going controversy over its announcement that there would be no DVD release of Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace for the foreseeable future. As you suggest, one of the likely choices for die-hard Star Wars fans will be to turn to illegal bootlegs to get the quality they should be getting on DVD. You are to be applauded for writing letters to George Lucas. The combined efforts of other concerned readers can make a difference. The staff of WSR wholly supports your wakeup call to the people at Lucasfilm.
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