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Click above to purchase "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom
Menace Special Edition" at amazon.com
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
Special Edition
review by Zach B.
Rated PG
Studio: Fox
Running Time: 135 minutes
Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman,
Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker,
Pernilla August, Frank Oz
Written and Directed by George Lucas
Retail Price: $29.98
Features:
Disc 1 - Extended Cut, Audio Commentary with Writer/Director
George Lucas, Producer Rick McCallum, co-editor Ben Burtt,
and Special Effects people Rob Coleman, John Knoll, Dennis
Muren and Scott Squires. DVD-ROM: stawars.com Weblink
Disc 2 - Deleted Scenes, Deleted Scenes Documentary,
"The Beginning" Making Episode 1 Documentary, Web
Documentaries, Featurettes, Introduction To Animatics,
Animatics, Exclusive Production Photos, Print
Campaign, Posters, Star Wars Starfighter: Making The
Game, Teaser Trailer, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots. DVD-ROM:
starwars.com Weblink
Specs: 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Dolby
Digital 5.1 EX, English Dolby Surround, French Dolby
Surround, Spanish Dolby Surround, English Subtitles, French
Subtitles, Chapter Search (50 Chapters), Two-Disc Set, THX
Certified
Released: October 16th, 2001
Ever since the dawn of DVD, movie fans have had to wait
and wait for their favorite "big" titles to get released.
The big blockbuster hits, the classic favorites... everyone
wanted them on DVD. As the format progressed and got
popular, favorite films did see release on everyone's
favorite video format. The term "save the best for last"
couldn't be more accurate when describing films on DVD.
While not every film has been released on DVD yet and there
are still some big titles left to be seen, there's actually
been a lot of big titles released and it just seems every
year more and more them are being released as the format
continues to greatly expand. But with October 2001 however,
a giant step has been taken with some anticipated titles.
"The Godfather Trilogy", "Snow White" and now... "Star Wars
Episode 1".
There's no doubt that the "Star Wars" films have been the
most anticipated titles to hit DVD. The constant nagging
from fans, the various campaigns and the one most asked
question in the world "When are the 'Star Wars' movies
coming out on DVD!?"... it now seems George Lucas has
finally given in to their demands. So it does pay to ask and
bug, I guess. While the first trilogy has yet to be
announced, "Episode 1" is an incredible release that is more
than likely to shut up fans... or start the question "When
are episodes 4, 5 and 6 going to be released? They released
Episode 1!". The original trilogy won't be out for another
few years according to Lucas himself, but things always
change. I believe Lucas is going to wait until the prequel
trilogy is finished (just as I did predict), but this DVD
release is going to please fans for a long time, and he will
be releasing episodes 2 and 3 on DVD after their releases.
For one, I actually did respect Lucas's original decision
to wait until the prequel trilogy was done to release all
the films. While DVD may be dead in a few years (no one
knows for sure with the constant technologies coming out),
many fans just kept wanting it and wanting it. Lucas is
obviously a busy guy working on two additional chapters into
the series, and I really did see his "big picture" about
waiting until the films were done. It'd just make things
seem more complete. But enough of the "Star Wars" DVD
madness for now... let's talk about the madness "Episode 1"
caused.
Released back in May 1999, "Star Wars Episode 1: The
Phantom Menace" was riding a wave called maximum hype for
quite a long time. Lucas announced several years before he
was going to make a prequel trilogy to one of the biggest
film series of all time and one of the biggest things ever
in popular culture. As fans anticipated the film, the hype
began and began... November 1998 saw teaser posters and a
teaser trailer where people paid for "Meet Joe Black" just
to get a first glimpse at one of the most anticipated movies
of all time. The following spring, another trailer was
released just adding more fuel to the fire. Add secrecy, a
ton of merchandise (that went to clearance racks rather
quickly) and all the hype... you got yourself an instant
hit. Not to mention fans who waited outside theaters weeks
before to buy tickets and fans who waited on line at toy
stores a few weeks before the film opened at midnight so
they could be first on their block with the new figures.
However, when a film has so much hype and so much riding
on it, it simply can not live up to the hype. Never. Not
then, not now and not in a million years. That was the case
with "The Phantom Menace". Many critics gave it lukewarm
reviews, many fans were incredibly disappointed and the name
"Jar Jar Binks" reached the top of everyone's enemies list.
I saw the film in theaters, and after seeing it, I was
pretty disappointed. It was a let down, as I did enjoy the
original trilogy. However, the more I thought about it, the
more I actually did like "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom
Menace". Of course it wasn't going to live up to the hype,
but the more I thought about the great effects, great acting
and how it would serve as a backdrop for the next two
installments, I really didn't think it was as bad as
everyone kept saying it was. I didn't think Jar Jar Binks
was THAT annoying. While I did enjoy the other three more
than "The Phantom Menace", but it could hold a candle to the
original trilogy. It's simply a decent movie. It's good and
I wouldn't go out and call it falt-out horrible. I must
admit though that I have not seen the movie since I saw it
in the theater. I never bought the video or rented it or saw
it in the theater again. I wanted to give it a second look
before this, but I never got the time. However, I have now
when reviewing this DVD and I must officially confirm it's
not as bad as I originally thought it was. Not to mention
the movie on DVD features an extended cut (a nice surprise
if you ask me though I didn't notice the new additions, but
this is certainly something "Star Wars" fans will LOVE) with
some slight additions. Since it's been over two years since
I've last seen the movie, I didn't notice the new additions
at all. Again, the more I though about it the more I liked
it, and watching it again... I do like the movie. I bet
George Lucas got a pretty bad wrap and a lot of anger from
fans, but really, I could see what he was going for in this
film and he didn't deserve the backlash he got. I mean, it's
only a film series. People treat "Star Wars" like it's some
kind of religon.
With that said, "The Phantom Menace" takes place a little
over thirty years before "A New Hope" (the first "Star
Wars"). We are introduced to many of the key characters that
play key parts as well as implied parts in the future
prequel installments as well as episode four, five and six.
We meet a much younger Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and
his Jedi master, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) who have to
protect Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from the evil Trade
Federation. From there, they meet Jar-Jar Stinks, err, Binks
and a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd)... the man with
much "force" potential in him and the guy who will grow up
to the galaxy's most feared villain... Darth Vader. As the
two Jedis take in their new apprentice, we find there is
something not quite right about him through Yoda as he is
young. Meanwhile, the merry band of characters get caught up
in all sorts of action adventures that including the famous
Pod Race and an intertwining battle finale. And that
basically is the first chapter of the long-awaited prequel
trilogy.
I mentioned the dissatisfaction many felt over the film,
but I really don't think it's such a bad movie. I think
people were expecting the best, something to beat out all
the other "Star Wars" films combined, but that's not what
they got. Personally, I think it's a different kind of movie
compared to the original trilogy. Forget the technological
improvments, as far as tone, I just think it's more unique.
Yes it has the familiar and great "Star Wars" elements...
but something about the exotic settings, new characters,
tones and themes make it a little hard to judge against the
original trilogy. Lucas has a pretty strong script, and
while I think it is a good introduction to the next two
chapters, my main problem was character development. Sure,
we learn who the characters are, their nature and things
about them... but I felt there was more of an emphasis on
the movie being driven by events rather than characters.
Okay, so maybe Anakin was a little character driven... but
wasn't finding him an event? Still, I felt we needed to
learn more about the key characters, but Lucas still has
Episodes 2 and 3 to flesh out. Overall, I can't compare
Episode 1 to the original trilogy fully yet. After I see
Episodes 2 and 3, I will see how it stands and how it all
fits and feels into the puzzle.
Lucas' direction, I felt, was a bit rusty in the film but
overall we could truly see his unique, creative and
marvelous vision come to life with the outrageous characters
and incredible special effects. This is the first movie he's
directed in over twenty years, and I expected it to be a bit
rusty, yet I think he gets the job done pretty well and I'm
sure he'll improve when Episode 2 is released. While the
movie can be a little uneven at times, it does go by rather
fast and he sets it at a rather tight pace. Lucas sure knows
how to create a stunning visual sequence, or sequences for
that matter, and the editing as well as shots used are
incredible to really put you into the mythlogical world has
he has created. You really get a great glimpse of the action
and into a world so many know and love.
Lucas also puts together a rather strong cast for the
first chapter, and despite some criticisms, the actors
really work well in their respective roles... well, they at
least did for me. Liam Neeson brings much wisdom and
strength to a one-of-a-kind Jedi Master, while Ewan McGregor
creates a pretty great, well-rounded and brash Obi-Wan who I
think will grow considerably in the next two installments.
Lucas wanted him to be his own and not the late Sir Alec
Guiness, and he does that. Frank Oz does some great work
once again as Yoda (my personal favorite Star Wars
character), while Samuel L. Jackson brings a strong presence
in his all too short role of Jedi Mace Windu, but I'm not
complaining since there will be more of him in Episode II.
Natalie Portman, probably the finest young actress out there
today, brings a great sense of poise and worth to Queen
Amidala. And Jake Lloyd, who recieved probably the most
criticism, does a very good job portraying an innocent and
naive Anakin Skywalker. While the original film had a cast
of unknowns pretty much, this trilogy has a cast that has a
good body of work in them from before.
Like how the first "Star Wars" revolutionized special
effects, this installment really shows what great technology
that Lucas' own Industrial Light and Magic has developed and
can pull off. Lucas waited a few years before starting to
film the new installment, so the technology would be up to
speed. How he and the ILM geniuses seamlessly combines live
actors and settings with incredible computer designs and
work is way beyond me. It looks really incredible, and so
much of this movie is eye candy. Be it a costumed alien or a
computer generated building, the amazing Pod Race or the
climatic battle finale "Duel Of The Fates," we really do see
what Lucas wanted and all his visual beauty and eye candy
that we wanted. His world looks pretty real, no matter how
fictional if you ask me.
"Star Wars - Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" is by no
means a perfect movie. Out of the four "Star Wars" movies
out there currently, it's probably my least favorite of the
bunch. Despite the flaws in Lucas' script, he does deliver a
pretty solid opening chapter complete with revolutionary
effects, a strong cast and brilliant production values that
prove in creativity, the sky is the limit. While "Star Wars"
fans will line up to the see next one, there is no doubt
they will be skeptical. For me, bring it on, as I am curious
to see how Lucas extends the new trilogy. In the meantime,
this DVD will keep me, and hopefully many of you happy.
Truly a new standard for the digital video format. It was
worth the wait.
The first chapter of the "Star Wars" saga is presented in
a glorious and stunning 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen
transfer. This would almost be reference quality, but
shimmering and artifacting keep it from achievening true
perfection. Those annoying instances and sthe somewhat high
contrast at points don't make this as pleasant as it could
have been. It needed some more smoothing out. Still, what we
do get here is rather fantastic. Lucas' wonderful world is
brought to extreme visual life (and I mean extreme!). Black
levels and detail are wonderful, while colors are incredibly
solid and rich, popping off the screen with much vibrancy to
them. There's no blemishes, scratches or dirt of any matter
to get annoyed at. Overall, robots, humans and the wondrous
special effects, locations and visuals are done justice in a
lovely presentation.
If there's ever a movie that you want to show your sound
system off with, look no further than "Star Wars Episode 1:
The Phantom Menace". Sure, there are plenty of other titles
that have a lot of actions sequences and will truly get the
most out of your speakers, but the experience of having a
Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track for this film is simply
incredible and earth-shattering if you ask me. If you're
disappointed with the sound at all on this track, you either
need a brain transplant or need a new sound system. This is
the BEST Dolby Digital 5.1 track I have heard on DVD yet...
and I mean that to the fullest. Forget the fact that it
doesn't have DTS (I was disappointed about that myself), the
EX mix here will satisfy fans and home theater enthusiasts
incredibly and you won't care for the lack of DTS, since it
sounds so amazing.
This movie captivates you right from the start with it's
auroa of plenitful sounds. It just starts and doesn't
stop... it's really packed with amazing surrounds that puts
you in the center of the "Star Wars" universe. From the
familiar and classic opening theme from John Williams, to
the podrace, veichles of all kind moving, lightsaber
battles, guns being fired... there is just so much to be
immersed in. Williams' score just sounds so amazing on this
track plus all the ships flying and the action sequences...
just wow. There is a great balance between music, effects
and dialogue. Nothing overpowers the other as they all sound
so crisp and are easy to hear. No muffling or distortion is
to be found. .1 LFE extension is really tight, booming and
constant. Enveloping, surround splits and sidewall imaging
are also great.
The sound on the film here is also THX-certified, just
like the transfer... as it should be. Also included are Two
words can describe it all: REFERENCE QUALITY. Even if
you don't like "Star Wars" one bit, but do like showing off
your home theater, this is a perfect investment for that.
You won't find anything better. Also included are English
subtitles and English closed captioning, plus Dolby Surround
tracks in Spanish and English.
I'm sure "Star Wars" fans would have been happy to just
have the movie on DVD in a good presentation, but this
two-disc set is jammed packed with some great goodies that
really represent the "Star Wars" universe, the film itself
and the whole production. I was really impressed how much
Fox and Lucasfilm has crammed on to this set. The film and
"Star Wars" itself does deserve the extra material. While I
realy hate to sound greedy, I was expecting JUST A LITTLE
MORE in the extras... I know there are space limits on DVDs,
but I seriously felt they should have just crammed as much
as they could to give everything as far as the whole
experience and just anything they had from making the movie
and things involved with it. Don't get me wrong though, this
is still one fantastic special edition that has some
excellent supplements and has a lot more than I originally
expected. It's certainly in-depth and there's a lot to
absorb, it's just not as extensive as it probably could have
been. Still, I was certainly more than pleased with the
inclusions and all you fans will be too. And hey, who knows?
Maybe once all the "Star Wars" films are released on our
beloved format, there will be a re-release of this
particular disc... a growing trend as of late. Again, don't
misunderstand, there's a lot to dig into this set and the
materials we are given are plentiful, well done and light
years ahead of average. Anyway, let's get a look at the
fabulous materials we are given...
On the first disc, we find, as I mentioned, you'll find
the new extended cut (three more minutes of footage
has been added). Also, there is an Audio Commentary with
Writer/Director George Lucas, Producer Rick McCallum,
co-editor Ben Burtt, and Special Effects people Rob Coleman,
John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires. I personally
would have prefered seperate audio commentaries (or at least
a seperate one from Lucas). This is one great track if I say
so mysef, even if it is a bit too technical for my tastes. I
wish there was a bit more focus on the characters and the
story itself, but there are comments in there about that. I
just wanted some more thoughts on them, and audience
reaction. Still, there is input on that, I just desired more
because Lucas' comments on the matter are rather insightful.
Everyone has something good to contribute here. The visual
effects, accomplishing some tough stuff and a whole lot
more. Very well done, and I don't even have to sell "Star
Wars" fans to listen to this. There are optional subtitles
that come up when someone new speaks. Very cool. Oh, and
there's a weblink to starwars.com.
On the second disc is where we find our bulk. In Trailers
and TV Spots, we have the Teaser Trailer and the
Theatrical Trailer that made us all drop our jaws in
awe. They are in Dolby Surround (boo!) and anamorphic
widescreen. I haven't seen them in awhile, and watching them
again sent chills down my spine remembering witnessing them
for the first time and getting hyped up about them (people
paid money to see the trailers and then left the movie!).
There's also seven TV Spots - the five beautiful and
highly rewatchable "Tone Poems" and two general ones
entitled "Adventure." There's also the interesting "Duel
Of The Fates" Music Video (in non-anamorphic widescreen,
bah!).
Under Deleted Scenes and Documentaries, we'll find a
Deleted Scenes Documentary. Lucas invested millions
into finishing scenes up from the film for the DVD release.
This documentary is in anamorphic widescreen, and Lucas
explains that he wanted the scenes on the DVD and seems to
actually like the format. Editors Paul Martin Smith Ben
Burtt are also interviewed, while Lucas discusses the joys
of editing. Directors Philip Kaufman and Francis Ford
Coppola also shares their thoughts on the editing process.
More interviews are included and stills plus film footage.
Nicely done.
And then... we have the Deleted Scenes (which can
be viewed out of the documentary or start right after the
documentary is finished). They're in anamorphic widescreen
(looking rather incredible) and 5.1 Dolby Digital (yes!). I
really enoyed these scenes, even if they don't mesh so well
with the film or are too small to really fit anywhere. Some
are short, some are long and most deal with the whole
podrace area of the film. The seven scenes are "Complete
Podrace Grid Sequence," "Extended Podrace Lap Two," "The
Waterfall Sequence," "The Air Taxi Sequence," "Dawn Before
The Race," "Anakin's Scuffle With Greedo" and "Farwell To
Jira."
Still, an incredible puppy the disc features is the
anamorphic widescreen documentary "The Beginning" Making
Episode 1. This is one fine documentary. I wouldn't say
it's the best I've seen on DVD, but one of the best. It's
only an hour long and was culled from well over 600 hours
(!) shot by documentary filmmaker Jon Shenk, who was hired
by Lucas and given full access by Lucas to shoot. A decent
amount is covered - the start of the project to the world
premiere, but it barely scratches the surface. It moves too
quick. I wanted more behind the scenes footage, more detail
and more everything. If it was longer and more was added
(more on the sandstorm that wrecked the set would have been
nice), it'd be more enjoyable. Still, don't miss this. It's
an amazing documentary and has a lot of focus, it's just
that there's way too much to fit in with a hour limit. Oh
yeah, gotta love that Spielberg visit .
Under "Featurettes, Web Documentaries and Starwars.com"
you'll find all twelve Web Documentaries featured on
starwars.com leading up to Episode 1's launch. All twelve
are here and are quite a treat. They are short, but put them
together and you have a rather large documentary on such
great tasks needed to make a movie like "Episode 1." "All I
Need Is An Idea," "Thousands Of Things, "Home Sweet Home,"
"Boys In Paradise," "This Is A Creature Film.," "Prime Of
The Jedi," "Assistant Directors," "3000 Anakins," "It's Like
War Now," "Costume Drama," "Bad Droid Karma" and "Movie
Music" are here. Each one is dated, and it gives you a
glimpse of the timespan and when things were done. All of
them are great and have a fine, specific focus. While they
lack the intros as featured on the Star Wars website when
aired there, you're not missing much. They're in anamorphic
widescreen, and just really fascinating showing off such an
amazing process that is truly "Episode 1."
Under Featurettes, you can watch five different
ones, also dealing with a specific aspect. "Visual Effects,"
"Costumes," "Desgin," "Fights" and "Story." And yes, they
too are in anamorphic widescreen. Interviews with McCallum,
Lucas, Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and a host of other cast
and crew are interviewd during these segments. They're not
really insightful, but there is stuff to gain and are good
watches. There's also a Weblink to starwars.com in
this section.
And the last section, Animatics and Still
Galleries is more technical and publicity driven. The
Introduction To Animatics explains the process of
animatics by Rick McCallum and others. The unique Lucas way
is through rough computer animation, live action and
storyboards. Clips are also included of doing the process.
You can then watch animatics for the Podrace Lap One
and Submarine Sequences. Using your DVD's
multi-angle, you can view the storyboards (angle 1), the
rough footage (angle 2) the final film (angle 3) and
finally, all three together (angle 4). AND IT'S ALL IN
GLORIOUS ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN.
Finally, there are Exclusive Production Photos,
images under the Print Campaign, Posters and a
brief feaurette Star Wars Starfighter: Making The
Game. Yes, learn in four minutes how Lucas made February
2001's overrated Playstation 2 title, soon to be re-released
for Xbox! It's all promo style!
It should be noted the animated and interactive menus are
truly wonderful. They are well designed and have a great
effect to them. Even more cool, there are different types of
menus, three to be exact. So each time you turn on the disc,
you'll be treated to a new one. Also, there's some neat
easter eggs to find as well.
There you have it folks. "Star Wars" has finally hit
DVD... thank Lucas and the lords. While it may not be the
"Star Wars" film everyone wants, fans will devour this
offering and it will keep them very busy until the next
installments are released. The sound is incredible and
reference quality, the transfer is superb and the
supplements provided are astounding and should make everyone
happy (hopefully). This purchase is a no-brainer for "Star
Wars" fans. Even though some fans can be hard to please, I
think nearly everyone will be satisfied with this two-disc
set that just oozes quality. Even though the movie is a
disappointment to some, all "Star Wars" fans with DVD
players will be owning this. This is truly a new benchmark
in DVD, and it really was worth the wait. My kudos goes to
Lucas and those who really put their heart into this DVD.
May the force be with you all...
 (4/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (4.5/5)
 (5/5)
(4.5/5)
(4.5/5, NOT an average)
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