By Anthony R. Cruikshank
George Lucas’ imagination came up with the creation known as Star Wars. His dream however, wasn’t able to be fully realized because of the primitive special effects capabilities of the time. So, in the special edition re-release Lucas added computer generated bits and pieces where he wanted them. It hasn’t changed the movie much but the purist might not like the changes. The thrill of seeing the classic on the big screen should sway the people afraid of the changes. Lucas created what is now known as THX technology after Star Wars’ original release because he felt that the intricate sound effects that were created for the movie were mutilated by the primitive sound systems of the day. So even if you were around for the first release you still have a lot to look forward to because of such technological advances.
In 1977 SW was the best thing to happen to special effects ever. Sure in 1997 the special effects are about average but so what. That isn’t even why the movie became the legend that it is. Star Wars is a fairy tale for kids and adults alike. “Fairy tale? Star Wars is hard core sci-fi!”, you say. Wrong. Hard core science fiction is littered with unnecessary technological babble and insider references that most of the insiders don’t get. Star Wars does have a story about a farm boy and an old wizard rescuing a princess and then fighting a battle in which the fate of the universe is decided. Hmmm. That sounds like a fairy tale to me. “A fairy tale has to have a moral to the story, not just telling it for tellings sake.”, you say? I quote Obi-wan Kenobi, “Let go of your conscious self and act on instinct.” That sounds like believe in yourself to me and what happened to Luke when he did “let go” and use what’s inside? You be the judge. Some say Star Wars is just a movie; I would like to think of it as the start of a movement. A movement in better entertainment and in making society a better place.