Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of Star Wars, where the past and present collide! The Force is strong with this one!
Last year, Star Wars fans were overjoyed to hear that Lucasfilm had a special treat in store for the 50th anniversary of A New Hope. The studio planned to release the long-lost, unedited original version of the film, a true gem for fans. But here's where it gets controversial... something unexpected happened first.
This week, Star Wars enthusiasts spotted a pre-order on Amazon for a brand-new Blu-ray collection of the original trilogy, including A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. The runtimes matched the Special Edition versions, those iconic George Lucas edits that have been the official Star Wars experience for nearly three decades. It's a move that has left many fans scratching their heads, especially with the highly anticipated original re-release looming.
io9 can confirm that this is indeed the Special Editions making a comeback. The box art for this release, set to hit shelves on April 7, showcases the iconic Star Wars logo and promises a journey back to the galaxy far, far away. Priced at $68, it's a chance for fans to relive the magic.
Now, this isn't the first time Lucasfilm has released Star Wars on physical media. In fact, it's a tradition that spans decades. Even before the 1997 Special Editions, the films had multiple VHS and laserdisc releases. With the arrival of the Special Editions, the pace picked up, with new physical media versions appearing every few years, especially around the release of the prequel and sequel trilogies. According to Wookieepedia, there have been about 10 re-releases of the original trilogy since the late 1990s, each with its own unique twist, be it new special features or artwork.
As the 50th anniversary approaches in 2027, it seems Lucasfilm is taking one last bite at the apple, at least for now. While it's a welcome treat for fans seeking a fresh Blu-ray release, the real question remains: when will we get the original physical media release we've all been dreaming of? The answer is out there, and it's coming. And it'll come again, and again, until fans are so nostalgic for "Jedi Rocks" that we might just get a 75th anniversary rerelease of the Special Editions. The possibilities are endless.
What we do know is that as long as the love for Star Wars endures, the movies will continue to be re-released in various formats, old and new. This latest version of the Special Editions might just be one of the last, at least we hope so! But who knows what the future holds for these iconic films and their dedicated fans.
Stay tuned for more io9 updates, including the latest release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. The galaxy awaits!
