Steven Awalt

But you know Lucasfilm will "relent" and "give the fans what they want" after they've already sold them this version that is allegedly what Lucas always wanted to make...Mark my words. I told my friends that they'd release the DVDs this year to market Episode III and I'm telling you now you'll get originals of the OT as soon as the kitty needs to be fed at Lucasfilm. Speaking of bootlegs, movie studios and record companies complain about piracy until they're blue in the face, yet they refuse to give consumers what they want even when consumers make it painfully clear. When will these corporations begin to act like most companies and put the demands of their market as their primary concern? [the answer: never as long as they know we'll buy whatever they feed us...] The best solution (and I know I'm talking in the wind since I'll buy those discs come September) is to show Lucasfilm that their business is indeed a democracy (from the business perspective) and if their bottom-line is affected, you can be damned sure the Empire would become a New Republic in no time. Of course that's never going to happen and they've probably already got the self-congratulatory PR releases about how well the Star Wars trilogy is selling on DVD already written... :roll:

I'm thrilled that any version of the films are coming to DVD (though its sad fans have to feel this way, as if we are crack addicts), but I'm also irked by Lucasfilm's usual Machivelian usage of fans. Jim Ward, VP of marketing at Lucasfilm must think all fans are empty-headed idiots with wide-open wallets and short memories. Did anyone else read any of the bull he spread around today? George Lucas just happened to find a window of time to produce these DVDs that he vehemently swore would not be able to produce for release until after the prequel trilogy? He just happened to find time between the release of AOTC, the work on that DVD, pre-production, production and post-production on Episode III? Bull. Don't insult us by acting so bleeding altrustic, 'cause sainthood isn't in anyone at Lucasfilm's futures. I wouldn't be shocked if a late 2005 release was Lucasfilm's plan all along since it positions the original trilogy as a wonderful marketing tool (and a respected one at that, in comparison to the prequel trilogy) to stir the interest in Episode III a mere 9 months later. 2006 was probably always a scam date as you can be sure that the marketing plans leading in to Episode III were not made overnight. Also, Ward had the audacity to say that the original verisons of the film would not be coming out because, despite loving their fans (sure...) that "this is not a democracy." If fans are not insulted by this statement, then something is very wrong. Of course he's right (it's an Empire ™ after all...), but couldn't a representative of a company that was entirely made from fan's money be a bit more tactful in breaking it to their public that their wishes don't mean jack? Of course I'll line up to buy my boxed set, but I hope Lucas milks this DVD release and the release of Episode III for all they're worth, since my wallet's direct deposit to Lucasfilm's coffers will soon be drying up.

People tend to forget that Lucas is the man who created Indiana Jones, and that he created the stories (and worked on the scripts) for the original three films, even after he exhibited signs of decline (as some people would point out) with "Jedi". And to think that the film, if still made, could tank solely because of Lucas is ludicrous. I'm obviously a little bit partial to the works of Steven Spielberg, but you people are just not being honest in your blind, I dont know...rage? to rip on Lucas here. Spielberg's had his share of horrible misteps when it comes to narrative and execution: "1941," "Kick the Can," "Always," "Hook," and some would gladly say "A.I.". And don't tell me he didn't write the majority of those films, as he surely had as much input on all of their scripts as Lucas does on Indy 4. Point again that it seems is lost on some folks here is that sure, Lucas may jack this up, but it astounds me that people put blame on this man already (and defend their argument as if Spielberg will have to save the project from his best friend and producer's meddling) when, again, none of us know what the hell is going on behind the scenes or what the alleged problem(s) with the script is (are). Some of you have amazing psychic ablities, great insight into the project itself or nothing better to do with your time than complain about something none of us truly know absolutely nothing about. I thought the "Lucas raped my childhood memories" whining was bad enough about the prequel trilogy, but to complain about Lucas tearing down cultural icons for a film that isn't even made yet is absolutely insane. Sorry if I sound like an ass, but I'm just baffeled by these reactions.

To all who responded like I'm totally backing George Lucas, trust me, the irony of this isn't lost on me (regarding his writing skills), but I think its rather crazy to get all worked up and attack the man for not being happy with the script when absolutely none of us know what's supposedly wrong with it, let alone what any of its about. Rather than attack Lucas for something we're all in the dark about (and hey, I agree the man's writing skills are very lacking) I think we should appreciate that he has enough talent to say when something isn't right with the script. You don't hear Spielberg and Ford debating his choice in public, and I'm sure they all have equal weight in this process. It just seems silly to attack Lucas (despite his past cinematic crimes) for something none of us know a whit about. Perhaps its something that we'd all agree was a problem if we knew about it (and would blame Lucas for if it did get released).

For my two cents about Lucas putting the kibosh on things, I know its easy to rip on him for his lack of writing skills, but I think fans should be thankful that if he doesn't think things are perfect that he would rather hold off (or kill the project). I'd rather see the film delayed than have them serve me up some junk in the name of profits. Indiana Jones is too sacred for that (for me and many others I know). If the film isn't worthy of its predecessors, don't bother!

The delay thing is certainly accurate, Joe, but the "brother" part wasn't reported in Variety, that part is a rumor from Dark Horizons. That's what I meant before. And that picture of Ford is from the National Enquirer. I guess he got schlitzed down in Mexico and someone took photos and sold them. Worthy of their cover a week or two ago!

The whole brother thing is total rumor at this point so I wouldn't put much into that?the only thing that Variety said is that Lucas wasn't happy with the script. The brother rumor comes from someone (who allegedly works for Paramount, not Lucasfilm) who wrote into Dark Horizons. For all I know, it could be true, but that whole Kevin Costner as Indy's brother thing is OLD. Indy supposedly has a son and was caught up in alien investigations too. Goofy rumors and nothing more.

In response to someone above (I'm too lazy to go back) saying that they didn't know what genre "The Terminal" would fall into, all signs show that the film will have large doses of drama, comedy and romance. I suppose (and hope) it will be just like any other Spielberg film?for purposes of boiling the film down and housing it in the proper video store section, maybe it will be a drama, but it will certainly offer more than a restrictive genre assignment would let on. That's what's so great about Spielberg's work, of course. You may be paying to see his latest action movie, sci-fi film, etc., but you're getting a comedy, horror movie, romance film, etc. all for the price of one usually. And to offer my opinion on the poll that started this thread (and no offense to anyone): :roll: "Under Fire" (Goldsmith).

Would you like any condiments with that hat From what I know it has never been cut in as Neil pointed out, but the entire scene can be viewed on the old "Insider's Guide" disc for the OT that Lucasarts released. Boy is Luke a geek in it too! Geekier than we ever saw him in the film (or TV edit).

Don't put these two titles in one and the same sentence, please! Basic Instinct is no embarrassment. That was a very good thriller with a very strong female lead. ---------------- Alex Cremers I personally couldn't stand Basic Instinct. It could be because I took a first date to the movie and spent the whole time in shock that I took this girl to a movie of this nature (crotch shots and all). She probably thought I was like Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, taking Cybil Sheppard to a porno. Classy.

OH please! Kubrick from pretty much all I heard had the whole storyline pretty much worked out. Including most of the scenes. All Spielberg did was add dialogue to a number of scenes and put in some filler material. Thats enough to get a co-writing credit but not credit for the whole screenplay. Kubrick's "notes" really were just a rough first screenplay that had not been converted fully into a script format. You seem so dead set against the fact that Spielberg can actually write! Spielberg "based [his] screenplay on a 90-page treatment Stanley had prepared from all of his own ideas" [spielberg's quote], not a screenplay as you say. If this wasn't true (why should we believe it not to be true--do you possess this "script" you claim Spielberg added a bit of detail to?), don't you think that Kubrick's estate?his own wife and brother-in-law wouldn't have taken the sole screenwriter credit into arbitration with the WGA? If you're going to "match wits", at least do us the honor of basing your rebuttals on fact and not baseless opinion. Treatments are part and parcel in film production--they're a rough sketch of a script and Ian Watson duly received screen credit under WGA governing rules for his screen story from his treatment. But to say a screenwriter who creates a screenplay from a treatment is just "add[ing] dialogue to a number of scenes and put[ting] in some filler material" makes it painfully obvious the lack of understanding of the process. I bet most screenwriters would kill to be able to conjure up a fully fleshed screenplay from a treatment by just tossing in some dialogue and filler. Oh please, indeed!

I love Goldblum--one of my favorite actors, and I think he's very attractive in his own very unique way.

There's a funny article online today (at Empire maybe?) with Newell talking about how expensive his Potter film will be, supposedly the most expensive film of all time to date. He also said he's in France scouting fat ladies and French school girls. Interesting casting or a hopeless, yet diverse pervert he is!

Goldblum's done okay with the ladies for himself. For a while there, it seemed like he was dating ever co-star he ever worked with

Oh, and I like Titanic too. If I weren't married and had a chance in hell, I wouldn't mind using the CD to seduce Kate Winslet with

Not to get too personal, but that Annie Lennox song at the end of Bram Stoker's Dracula soundtrack's not a bad piece to...er...get a piece by Has there been a "music to get it on to thread" yet? I swear I've read other comments from Stefancos to the on this topic...

I never got the whole Verhoven thing. Perhaps if I'd seen his films from Europe, I might feel differently, and I think Robocop is fun, but beyond that he's made some real trash in the U.S. (although I like his films in the respect that we got some good Goldsmith scores attached to them and some cool Rob Bottin effects in Total Recall). But stuff like Basic Instinct and Showgirls is just an embarassment.

Why don't you guys like the More Music from Braveheart CD? I own the original and was going to buy this, but your assesments of the CD has me cautious now!

They goofed (on the Devil's Dance). Wish they hadn't--it embarasses me playing that aloud and hearing that stupid "the devil rides on a fiddle stick" line with folks in the same room. It's just strange. I've bought shameful amounts of old CDs this year, plus a couple of new ones: 40 Years of John Williams, The Missing, and I'm finally getting around to getting (once it arrives in the mail) last year's Indy rerecordings from Silva. And this isn't to mention expenditures at iTunes. I check weekly to see if they have new music, but as noted above, the soundtrack section has a ways to go. Wish they could separate all of the damned showtunes from the film scores too. I've always hated going through record stores in the soundtrack section, having to dig my way through song-and-dance pap to get to film scores.

It's a film for everyone (with taste, I might add)

iTunes added the Gil Shaham version of "Devil's Dance" the other day if anyone who doesn't have it is interested. I was thrilled since I hated to spend $12+ on a used CD just for that one track that I so desperately had to have. Great slinky rendition of the piece, though I could do without that cheesy wind effect and dialogue at the beginning of it.

I've always wanted to be trapped in a cheesy record album flat looking object whilst hurling through space with a mongloid, a leather chick and that dude from The Phantom Menace

There are now four lost souls officially trapped in the chat room of the damned ™

Looks like I'm still in there. I'm going to have to start paying Andreas rent if I don't get out soon!

My disc came scratched all to hell, in circular patterns (where the disc presumably wheeled around inside the terrible cardboard packaging before I got it). I never replaced it like an idiot and the last :30 second of the final track have never played back right. I was just thinking about finally getting a new copy last night when I was listening to it. Stupid Universal--bane of my existence, yet a studio I've been in love with (due to their history) since I was a kid. Leave it to the lawyers and their visionless marketing/art departments to come up with this assinine packaging. Rates up their with the Jaws 20th Anniversary CD packaing and the E.T. DVD packaging. I have a feeling the Schindler's List DVD packaging will be just as crappy. Sigh. :cry: