Star Wars - Special Edition
Everyone has seen Star Wars. Everyone knows the characters and everyone knows exactly what happens in it. Yet everyone wants to see it again and again and again... So, having been away for many, many years Star Wars is back at the cinema and what's more it's new and improved. Since its re-release in the USA it has finally become the largest grossing film of all time - ahead of Jurassic Park and ET. Star Wars fever has returned and with the new range of accompanying merchandise it promises to make its mark in '97 just as did after its '77 release.The storyline's the same - the battle of Luke Skywalker and friends with Darth Vader and the evil empire . But, as anyone who cares will know, this new edition contains scenes left out of the original as well as newly constructed computer special effects. These additions do not make it much longer or even a much better film (it's not possible) but it does give the audience something to look for as they re-live the classic scenes.
Much of the new action takes place in the dangerous desert town of Mos Eisley. Using Jurassic Park style special effects there are a host of strange new creatures to gawp at. The storm troopers have a new pet - a huge lizard thing that they ride like a horse and the cheeky Jawas have trouble with a massive brontosaurus like beast. It's eye catching stuff and raises a few chortles but for real adrenalin pumping action the modified final assault of the Death Star rules supreme.
Added to the effects of the original (which, themselves were fantastic) are many more scenes of the rebel starfighters dashing and dodging in and out as they confront the vulnerable defence of the Death Star. Compared to the effect this has on a small television screen this action in a cinema is phenomenal with some of the shots leaving the audience dizzy and aghast.
The re-release of these films is a genuine treat and everyone should go and see all three as they are released in two week intervals. The success of the new bits in the first part of the trilogy will undoubtedly be repeated in the following two parts; The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The original effects were spectacular, the new ones are mind blowing and if this season of re-release is repeated in another twenty years it becomes hard to imagine how great they could become.
Reviewed by Alex Harris
FILM FACTS IN BRIEF
Written and directed by George Lucas and produced by Gary Kurtz.
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher.
Go to the official site for more information.
Or check out the Internet Movie Database.