Why George Lucas’ Original Star Wars Trilogy Looks So Different On Disney Plus

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When George Lucas debuted “Star Wars” in 1977, he significantly redefined cinema. The movie doesn’t neatly fit into one genre, instead pushing the limits of what is considered fantasy, science fiction, and Western storytelling. The groundbreaking visual effects used in the film were revolutionary for the industry, demonstrating that ordinary objects like junk and found items could be transformed into extraordinary creations such as droids and even beverage dispensers.

Although fans adored the “Star Wars” trilogy in its original, analog form, the director, Lucas, hasn’t shared the same affection. Since technology advanced to enable him to add realistic CGI to his films, he’s made numerous edits and adjustments to them. Notably, he introduced the “Star Wars” Special Edition trilogy in the 1990s, modifying several scenes with digital elements that were unattainable during the 1970s and ’80s. The version available on Disney+ differs from both the Special Editions and initial theater releases, as Lucas has prevented re-releases of the Special Editions for years.

One reason you might find the Original Trilogy looks different on Disney’s streamer is because the latest versions were remastered using a new 4K digital conversion of the films. Originally shot with a Panavision PSR 35mm camera, these updated versions offer more than just a higher resolution – they also include Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos sound support, enhancing both the visuals and audio quality of the movies. However, it’s important to note that this conversion was based on the Special Editions of the films, not the original 35mm film stock. While you’ll notice improvements, the overall effect is similar to the versions that were previously available.

George Lucas tweaked his trilogy over the years

Over time, whenever the Star Wars trilogy was re-released in different formats, George Lucas often felt compelled to make modifications. This included adjustments during television broadcasts, as well as for Betamax, VHS, and LaserDisc versions. However, the most substantial changes occurred in 1997 with the debut of the “Star Wars” Special Editions. These editions introduced a large amount of new content, a good portion of which was primarily aesthetic.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: When I’m navigating through a corridor that was windowless before, all of a sudden, there are windows, and spaceships are whizzing by outside – quite a sight! George Lucas made several changes in the original Star Wars trilogy. For instance, he restored the Jabba the Hutt scene in “A New Hope” and altered the song sung in Jabba’s temple in “Return of the Jedi.” However, it’s the alteration of Han Solo and Greedo’s cantina confrontation that has stirred up the most controversy among Star Wars fans.

In a disagreement with many fans who think Han was the first to shoot in the original Star Wars film, George Lucas made changes in the Special Edition. He introduced a scene where Greedo clearly fires his gun before Han moves away, which didn’t occur in the initial movie release. Despite this, it’s challenging to deny that Lucas’ enhancements, particularly in sound and visual quality, significantly improved the movie. However, most fans argue that the purest version of Star Wars remains the untouched original.

Disney+ streams a new 4K scan of the film and it’s noticeably different

For quite some time, streamers have been providing digital versions of the Special Edition reissues; but that altered in 2019 when Disney+ launched together with the freshly released 4K version of the trilogy. This upgrade enhances the film’s visuals by lightening it in certain spots, making colors more vivid, and improving overall clarity. Disney’s restoration also addressed a significant portion of the digital video noise reduction issue that was prevalent in previous Blu-ray and DVD releases. Moreover, the aspect ratio was revised from 2.35:1 to 2.39:1, a notable difference.

The main change revolves around the argument between Han and Greedo in the cantina. In this new version, they both shoot simultaneously after Greedo threatens “I’ll kill you” before getting hit by a blaster shot. These adjustments were made during an earlier edit that Lucas did prior to selling the franchise to Disney in 2012. Notably, it improved the appearance of Han’s head movement, making it seem more realistic compared to the Special Edition.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that while the 4K upgrades and alterations generally elevate the films’ visuals, many long-term enthusiasts still favor the original theater versions. The new intro and logo are noticeable, but it’s the 4K scan that stands out most. This enhancement tackles contrast problems, color balance, and overall picture quality, boosting sharpness and detail that were previously missing. It’s doubtful we’ll see the theatrical releases again any time soon, but Disney has certainly put in the effort to enhance the trilogy in the interim.

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2025-07-25 21:30