Ralph Potts reviews the Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbook releases of Episodes I through VI of Star Wars.
The Review at a Glance:
(max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
89
Details:
Studio and Year: 20th Century Fox – 1977, 1980, 1983, 1999, 2002, 2005
MPAA Rating: > PG, PG-13 (Revenge of the Sith)
Feature running time: 805 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Action/Adventure
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC
Video Aspect: 2.35:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): Episodes I, II, III[/b]: English DTS-HD 6.1 Master Audio, English/Spanish/French/Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1. Episodes IV, V, VI: English DTS-HD 6.1 Master Audio, English/Spanish//Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS 5.1
Starring: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fischer, Harrison Ford, Alex Guinness, Peter Cushing, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, James Earl Jones, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, Jake Lloyd, Ewan McGregor, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits
Written & Directed by: George Lucas
Music by: John Williams
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: November 10, 2015
“A long time ago in a galaxy far far away…”
My Take:
As the galaxy prepares for the next generation of Star Wars, the six epic films will released as commemorative Blu-ray steelbooks on November 10th. These highly collectible films will be available for a limited time only. In addition, Star Wars: The Complete Saga was released in newly repackaged artwork on October 13th.
Each film from the Saga is presented with new character packaging allowing fans to choose their favorite or collect all six for a limited time. Characters include: The Phantom Menace – Darth Maul; Attack of the Clones – Yoda; Revenge of the Sith – General Grievous; A New Hope – Darth Vader; The Empire Strikes Back – Imperial Stormtrooper; and Return of the Jedi – Emperor Palpatine. In addition to the collectible steelbook packaging, each single disc Blu-ray includes existing audio commentary with George Lucas and the film crew as well as audio commentary from archival interviews with the cast and crew.
The collectible steelbook packaging is attractive, featuring the character image on the front cover and a collage of images from the film silkscreened on the rear. The Star Wars logo on the front cover is raised which is a nice tough. The disc inside is held securely in place by a standard push button release holder. All in all they are quite handsome and indicative of steelbook packaging we have seen before. It should be noted that only the single disc containing the film and audio commentary tracks are included.
I reviewed The Complete Saga when it was initially released on Blu-ray. These single disc Limited Edition Steelbook releases contain the same version. Below you will find comments from that review as well as the corresponding audio/video ratings that apply to these releases as well.
Episode I – The Phantom Menace: Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master discover nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, a young slave unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.
Episode II – Attack of the Clones: Ten years after the events of the Battle of Naboo, not only has the galaxy undergone significant change, but so have Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Anakin Skywalker as they are thrown together again for the first time since the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo. Anakin has grown into the accomplished Jedi apprentice of Obi-Wan, who himself has transitioned from student to teacher. The two Jedi are assigned to protect Padmé whose life is threatened by a faction of political separatists. As relationships form and powerful forces collide, these heroes face choices that will impact not only their own fates, but the destiny of the Republic.
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith: Three years after the onset of the Clone Wars, the noble Jedi Knights have been leading a massive clone army into a galaxy-wide battle against the Separatists. When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force to become the Emperor’s new apprentice – Darth Vader. The Jedi are decimated, as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda are forced into hiding. The only hope for the galaxy are Anakin’s own offspring – the twin children born in secrecy who will grow up to become Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa.
Episode IV – A New Hope: The Jedi Knights have been exterminated and the Empire rules the galaxy with an iron fist. A small group of Rebels have dared to fight back by stealing the secret plans to the Empire’s mightiest weapon, the Death Star battle station. the Emperor’s most trusted servant, Darth Vader, must find the plans, and locate the hidden Rebel base. Princess Leia, a captive Rebel leader, sends out a distress signal that is intercepted by a simple farm boy, Luke Skywalker. Seizing his destiny, Luke takes up the challenge to rescue the princess and help the Rebellion overthrow the Empire, along with such unforgettable allies as Obi-Wan Kenobi, the cocky Han Solo, the loyal Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D- and C-3PO.
Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back: It is a dark time for the Rebellion. After a devastating attack on their ice base on the frozen planet of Hoth, the Rebels are scattered by Imperial pursuit. Luke Skywalker seeks out the mysterious Jedi Master Yoda in the swaps of Dagobah, while Han Solo and Princess Leia outrun the Imperial fleet to the beautiful Cloud City of Bespin. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, the evil Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap. in the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces a terrible truth about the Skywalker legacy.
Episode VI – Return of the Jedi: In the spectacular final chapter of the Star Wars Saga, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia must travel to Tatooine to free Han Solo by infiltrating the wretched stronghold of Jabba the Hutt, the galaxy’s most loathsome gangster. Reunited, the Rebels team up with tribes of Ewoks to combat the Imperial forces on the forest moon of Endor. Meanwhile, the Emperor and Darth Vader conspire to turn Luke to the dark side, and young Skywalker is determined to rekindle the spirit of the Jedi within his father. the Galactic Civil War culminates in the ultimate showdown, as the rebel forces gather to attack the seemingly defenseless and incomplete second Death Star in the battle that will determine the fate of the galaxy.
Star Wars as it was called back then, debuted in theaters on my 13th birthday in 1977. I remember sitting in the theater not knowing what to expect but being excited because I sensed that the film was somehow different from anything I had previously seen on the big screen. Little did I know how right I was. My jaw dropped as that huge Star Destroyer came into view and filled the screen. I remained captivated as Episode IV’s story unfolded and introduced me to iconic characters and their compelling plight which would evolve into the most talked about and anticipated movie events for the next six years.
An instant classic and an unparalleled box office success, the rousing “space opera” was equal parts fairy tale, western, 1930s serial and special effects extravaganza, with roots in mythologies from cultures around the world. From the mind of visionary writer/director George Lucas, the epic space fantasy introduced the mystical “Force” into the cultural vocabulary, as well as iconic characters such as evil Darth Vader, idealistic Luke Skywalker, feisty Princess Leia, lovable scoundrel Han Solo and wise Obi-Wan Kenobi. I didn’t miss an installment and still have clear recollections of the painful wait between them. The characters, music, and themes of the first three films became ingrained in our pop culture and have crossed generational boundaries to touch fans of all ages.
Whereas the first three films were hugely successful it was obvious that they began in the middle of George Lucas’ story. In 1999, 22 years after the release of the original film, Episode I The Phantom Menace, hit theaters and would be the first in another trilogy that would bridge the story of Luke Skywalker and his father Anakin. Epic in scope, star studded and teaming with special effects The Phantom Menace, Attack of the clones and Revenge of the Sith drew fans to theaters with high expectations between 1999 and 2005. I was among those present on each opening weekend and while I certainly enjoy the connective elements, casting and extravagant visuals the prequels offer, they don’t resonate as deeply as Episodes IV, V, VI. The reasons for this are obvious and are shared by most fans of the series. The debate about which film in each trilogy is the best could probably go on and on.
My personal favorites (picking one from each trilogy) are Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. I think that The Empire Strikes Back is the most complete film and ultimately the best of the bunch. Regardless, the saga as a whole is incredibly entertaining and features endearing/memorable characters, rousing sci-fi action, and a compelling, gratifying and effecting storyline that has garnered it one of most expansive and loyal fan followings ever. Then there’s the associated merchandise which simply took on a life of its own. With the advent of home video in the 1980’s fans could enjoy/experience Star Wars at home.
The original trilogy has seen numerous releases on VHS and eventually DVD. Star wars purists have long since found George Lucas’ persistent “tampering” with the original theatrical versions over the years to be irksome. Minor changes/additions that do little to nothing to enhance the narrative but truly don’t detract from it either have been ballyhooed during each iteration that has come to home video. 2006 introduced the possibility of seeing Star Wars in high definition on Blu-ray Disc, the new medium that puts the best picture and sound available on optical disc at our fingertips. Of course true to form George couldn’t resist a little tweaking. Be that as it may the moment we have all waited for has finally come.
The six film saga comes to Blu-ray from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in a comprehensive 9 disc set that in addition to Episodes I – VI includes an unprecedented 40 + hours of special features highlighted by never before seen content sourced from LucasFilm archives. Episodes I-III and IV-VI will also be available separately as distinct Blu-ray Trilogy collections. The nine disc collection comes housed in a book style keepcase with a separate “page” for storage of each disc which slides into a sturdy slipcover that is only marginally larger than a standard disc case. Like many of you reading this I am thrilled that this beloved film series has finally come to Blu-ray. Keep reading to see how the audio/video quality measures up
Parental Guide:
The rating is for sci-fi action/violence, and thematic material.
AUDIO/VIDEO – By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100/EXCELLENT = 83-91/GOOD = 74-82/AVERAGE = 65-73/BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
Episodes I, II, III
Audio: 94
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Dynamics:
Low frequency effects:
Surround Sound presentation:
Clarity/Detail:
Dialogue Reproduction:
Low frequency extension * (non-rated element): NA
DSU Rating * (non-rated element): NA
Video: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Resolution/Clarity:
Black Level/Shadow Detail:
Color Reproduction:
Fleshtones:
Compression:
The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox featuring 1080p AVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 6.1 Master Audio sound.The Phantom Menace has an average video bitrate of 28 Mbps and average audio bitrate of 4.6 Mbps.The Attack of the Clones has an average video bitrate of 29 Mbps and average audio bitrate of 4.0 Mbps. Revenge of the Sith has an average video bitrate of 30 Mbps and average audio bitrate of 4.7 mbps.
Being newer release films it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect the prequel trilogy to offer superior high definition video quality on Blu-ray. In these video presentations I found quality that both met my expectations and fell below. My comments will be specific to each with an accompanying numeric score the average of which is reflected in the rating section above.
The Phantom Menace is the only one of the prequels shot on 35mm film and therefore has a differing visual aesthetic than Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Prior to watching the Blu-ray I looked at several scenes on the DVD. The image has a visible grain structure, discernible level of noise (typical) and the print has its share of flecks and minor debris. Looking at it high definition a few things immediately stood out. The jump in resolution and color reproduction is noteworthy (as it should be) as the video exhibits a definitive improvement over standard definition. The computer crafted effects, vividly pleasing colors and boldly applied contrast generally make for visually stimulating imagery although the higher resolution makes the seams between live action/CGI more readily apparent. Blacks are dynamic and slightly overdriven but not at the expense of detail robbing crush.
Bright sequences tend to look the best and offer the widest range of eye catching options. There are some problems, the biggest of which is the use of digital noise reduction. I wouldn’t describe it as the most egregious case I have seen however its effects are obvious and distracting. The application is intermittent and results in certain scenes where faces appear unnaturally smooth and devoid of lifelike texture. This exacerbates the film’s odd colored fleshtones and leaves complexions looking more like silly putty. Grain is noticeably diminished which results in an uneven aesthetic that proves to be a further distraction from one scene to the next. The rendering of fine detail is similarly impacted which imparts a subtle but evident degree of softness. I didn’t find this to be as bothersome due in large part to the CGI which naturally imparts a softening effect. Noise creeps in occasionally but most probably won’t notice. The end result is a fair high definition rendering that would benefit greatly from a re-mastering. Video Rating = 78 .
Attack of the Clones was shot digitally and when compared to The Phantom Menace seemed like a breath of fresh air. Images are detailed with crisp resolution and appreciable levels of rewarding dimension. Colors are richly saturated with a deep palette that highlights the costumes, and digitally created venues featured in the film. Fleshtones are on the bronze side but retain enough tonal variation to maintain natural looking complexions. Contrast is spot on and blacks are rich, with excellent dynamic extension that is generally associated with deepest best blacks I have seen. Detail in dark areas and low lighting reveals good visible structure with perceptible gradation as light transitioned toward dark. As I mentioned earlier, the higher resolution makes the seams in live to digital world more apparent but I can accept that as part of the deal. I also detected the application of digital noise reduction however its effects are much less invasive and are what I would classify as more of a touch up here and there. I didn’t observe any overt signs of digital noise or video related anomalies. The end result is an excellent high definition presentation that looks terrific on my large screen. Video Rating = 90 .
Saving the best for last, Revenge of the Sith is a reference quality high definition presentation that will make you forget about the aforementioned shortcomings in The Phantom Menace. This is predominantly a dark film (as it should be) and its ability to clearly render its elements under those conditions is essential to getting the most out of it. Well you can rest assured that this presentation delivers some of the richest, deepest and velvety textured blacks that I have seen. Images are gradationally adept and three dimensionally depicted so that the long drawn CGI skylines, unevenly lit interiors, and shadow laden environs have a seemingly infinite level of depth. Shadow detail is consistent and revealing of subtle degrees of delineation. Images are crisp with subtle refinement, resolute sharpness and exquisite dimension that at times can be visually arresting. Contrast is boldly applied which energizes colors, empowers whites/grays and engages blacks. Colors are appreciably delineated with natural rendering and punchy primaries that stand out among those within the varied range used. Fleshtones are beautifully textured with subtle description and lifelike complexional depiction. The video has a pleasing and pristine quality that works hand in hand with the film’s stark visuals and provides an incredibly entertaining experience that looks superb regardless of the size of your display. Video Rating= 96 .
I saw no need to separately rate the audio quality for these three films. Across the board these are reference quality lossless tracks each containing demonstration quality moments perfect for showing off the prowess of your home theater system. These recordings have wide dynamic range and boast superlative clarity and high level detail that is impressive. Dialogue is definitive and appreciably lucid through the center channel as it reaches far into the room. It’s located just slightly in front of the left/right speakers within the acoustic space it occupies in the soundfield. I never had any trouble distinguishing even the slightest changes in the pitch or inflection of voices. Front channel separation and imaging is excellent. This draws out both large and small sound elements allowing their directional correlation based upon the onscreen events to be definable. The mix makes effective and often aggressive use of the surround channels to elongate the front soundstage and reproduce the spatial and discrete sounds of these demanding soundtracks.
The listening position is frequently submerged in a rotating web of sound that occasionally bombards the senses with a combination of well-placed effects and musical ambience. Low frequency effects are applied with authority to underscore the bombastic and aggressive aspects of the auditory. This surround mixes deliver bass that extends down into the upper 20 to lower 30hz regions at times. The sophisticated sound design is loaded with various sound effects, spatial cues, music, and dialogue. Each was clearly represented with enriching clarity, detail and appropriate sound field placement. I thought that each of these audio presentations knocked it out of the park. If pressed to put them in order of preference I would rate them (first to last) Attack of the Clones, The Phantom Menace, and Revenge of the Sith. You can’t go wrong either way. Audio Rating = 94 .
Episodes IV, V, VI
Audio: 86
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Dynamics:
Low frequency effects:
Surround Sound presentation:
Clarity/Detail:
Dialogue Reproduction:
Low frequency extension * (non-rated element): NA
DSU Rating * (non-rated element): NA
Video: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Resolution/Clarity:
Black Level/Shadow Detail:
Color Reproduction:
Fleshtones:
Compression:
The Original Star Wars Trilogy comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox featuring 1080p AVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 6.1 Master Audio sound.A New Hopehas an average video bitrate of 31 Mbps and average audio bitrate of 3.9 Mbps. The The Empire Strikes Back has an average video bitrate of 30 Mbps and average audio bitrate of 4.6 Mbps. Return of the Jedi has an average video bitrate of 30 Mbps and average audio bitrate of 4.5 mbps.
I don’t think any Blu-ray release has been met with higher expectations than the original Star Wars Trilogy. I am happy to report that examination of these three classic films yields bountiful results. Utilizing the 2004 DVD masters each film boasts clean well depicted colors that offer eye pleasing levels of saturation that pop in high definition. Earth tones and secondary hues appear very natural while yielding visible gradations that enhance depth. Facial complexions and skin tones are warm, with pinkish highlights that never look unnatural. Resolution is definable as varying degrees of refinement reveal minutia that is easily passed over in standard definition. This includes the compositional elements on the surfaces of objects, visible textures in clothing, and the makeup of physical features.
Sharpness wavers, which results in some scenes offering lucid clarity while others are noticeably lacking crispness and clearly defined edges. There is evidence of some digital manipulation however I believe that in most instances these minor issues are innate and probably attributable to original photography. Black and white levels are stable which provide a fair level of pop during brighter exterior sequences while keeping darker or low lit segments looking noticeably punchy. The twinkling stars and colorful planets appear stark against the relatively deep black of outer space. Blacks tend to be just a tad crushed which impedes the discerning of subtle gradations/details in dark images. Shadow detail is above average which enhances depth but not to a definitive level of perception.
Grain is readily apparent and shows minimal signs of the effects of digital cleanup. There is some light noise visible here and there but it rarely proves intrusive. I didn’t see any fidelity infringing changes with regard to color timing etc. Comparing these high definition presentations to their standard definition counterparts is futile. There is no question as to their superiority in every regard. Are they perfect? No. Have they ever looked better for home presentation? Absolutely not.
These are the films that made surround sound a household word and the high resolution DTS-HD MA audio mixes do a terrific job rendering their soundtracks. Perspective has to be kept in mind. I point that out because obviously there are dated elements in these recordings that can’t be negated by a remix. Fidelity remains intact across the board and the results are indeed impressive. Dialogue has discernible intonation, with distinctive clarity and above average room penetration. There is active use of the entire surround platform which delivers a well-integrated audio experience that is highlighted by solid impact, defining clarity, and John Williams’ incredible music. Dynamic range is quite good and seems minimally effected by the dated elements present in the recording. Sounds and effects have copious expression that extend well into the room. Surround activity can be engaging as discernible spatial ambience and discrete sounds fill the listening area. The LFE channel is liberally used to add robust low frequency weight that extends the depth and palpability of the action. Each of these lossless audio presentations adds a defining element that enhances the enjoyment of Star Wars while taking us on a nostalgic journey that is reminiscent of seeing it in the theater.
Bonus Features:
Episode I:
Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires
Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew
Episode II:
Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, Pablo Helman, John Knoll and Ben Snow
Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew
Episode III:
Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Rob Coleman, John Knoll and Roger Guyett
Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew
Episode IV:
Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew
Episode V:
Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew
Episode VI:
Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew
Final Thoughts:
Since its 1977 debut, Star Wars has continued to grow, its lush narrative expanding from modest beginnings into an epic, six-film Saga chronicling the fall and redemption of The Chosen One, Anakin Skywalker. Having grown up with the original trilogy it has a nostalgic and special significance among the films that I hold dear. The prequel trilogy doesn’t have near that level of significance however I enjoy it and appreciate it for what it is.
Star Wars: The Complete Saga made its long awaited high definition debut back in 2011. These Limited Steelbook versions offer each film separately for the first time. It should be noted that only the single disc containing the film and audio commentary tracks are included. I suspect that with the exception of die-hard fans/collectors, these releases won’t offer much appeal for those in possession of The Complete Saga. However for those that don’t hold bonus content in high regard and/or who may not necessarily care to own all of the films, this is a great opportunity to pick and choose which title their care to own.
As for the quality of the audio/video it is identical to the previous releases, which are good, but could use a bit more care. At the end of the day Star Wars is a rousing “space opera” which is equal parts fairy tale, western, 1930s serial and special effects extravaganza, with roots in mythologies from cultures around the world. From the mind of visionary writer/director George Lucas, the epic space fantasy introduced the mystical Force into the cultural vocabulary, as well as iconic characters such as evil Darth Vader, idealistic Luke Skywalker, feisty Princess Leia, lovable scoundrel Han Solo and wise Obi-Wan Kenobi. As fans we revel in its vastness of scope and superlative sense of adventure. We are counting down the days to the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with high hopes that it meets our expectations and lives up to the legacy of what preceded it.
Here is the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens
You Tube
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS4910 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal)
Stewart Filmscreen – Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16×9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8802A 13.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies – 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton “Ergo” and In-Ceiling series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SVS PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
SVS PC12-NSD
Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) – Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components – CP-CP102 cooling package
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