‘Star Wars’ Original Trilogy: Theatrical Cut To Be Re-released On Blu-Ray [Rumor]
This is not the first time rumors that the Star Wars original trilogy theatrical cut will be re-released on Blu-ray for the first time ever.
Remember, those who missed the original trilogy in theaters in the 70s and 80s have not seen the Star Wars movies in their original formats. Lucasfilm has put several special edition boxed sets on the market in the past, but they’re all altered versions of George Lucas’ creation.
When Lucas sold the franchise to Disney, Star Wars and its future were uncertain, however, we now know that we will see the next installment in the saga, The Force Awakens on December 18. Most believed it was unlikely Disney would re-release the theatrical cut of the original trilogy and prequels because 20th Century Fox owns the distribution rights until 2020.
In addition, Slash Film reminds us that the studio is the owner of the first chapter of the Star Wars original trilogy, A New Hope “in perpetuity in all media worldwide.” This made it even more unlikely that a theatrical release of the trilogy would ever come to a theater near you, unless the studios can come to an agreement.
Talk that Disney would re-release the original trilogy is once again making headlines after a Q&A session with director John Landis Friday. Empire Magazine posted these tweets about the Star Wars news.
At a Q&A tonight John Landis dropped that Disney are finally going to re-release the theatrical cuts of the original Star Wars trilogy.
— Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) September 19, 2015
Apparently George mentioned it when last they spoke. Somebody put Yub Nub on. Let the celebrations commence!
— Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) September 19, 2015
As sources go, Landis is as credible as they come and he has no reason to make up such statements, which he knows will make fans all over the world squeal with excitement. As Star Wars: The Force Awakens release nears, it is safe to assume a re-release of the original trilogy and prequels in high-definition would bring in millions to the studios. For now, this is still considered a rumor as it hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it sounds like the best chance yet for fans to get what they’ve asked for, for years.
The latest rumor comes as original trilogy Star Wars fans are apparently dissatisfied with the direction the franchise is taking under Disney and have started an online hate campaign. From gender issues with a gay character to a black stormtrooper (John Boyega), some purists have issues, which director J.J. Abrams has addressed saying there is a “tightrope walk” to make everyone happy, the Inquisitr reported.
[Image via Lucasfilm]
