Editing Changes in Star Wars re-releases

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}} 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Changes in ''Star Wars'' {{nowrap|re-releases}}}}
[[File:Comparison of digital manipulation of spirit scene.jpg|thumb|300px|The original theatrical release of ''Return of the Jedi'' features [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] as [[Anakin Skywalker]] (above left). The 2004 DVD release replaced his appearance as a [[Force spirit]] with [[Hayden Christensen]] (below left), who played the character in the prequels.|alt=Two images, stacked vertically, of the same scene showing Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The top image shows an older man as Anakin. The bottom image shows a younger man as Anakin.]]

Many of the films in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise have been {{Nowrap|re-released}}, both theatrically and on home media formats. Franchise creator [[George Lucas]] often altered the films for the {{Nowrap|re-releases}}. These alterations range from minor refinements (such as [[color grading]] and [[audio mixing]]) to major changes (such as the insertion of new dialogue, characters, and visual effects). The [[Star Wars original trilogy|original trilogy]] was altered the most, although revisions were also made to the [[Star Wars prequel trilogy|prequels]]. According to Lucas, some changes brought the films closer to his original vision, while others were attempts to create continuity with later films.

While different versions of the ''Star Wars'' films have existed since the 1977 release of the [[Star Wars (film)|original film]] (later titled ''A&nbsp;New Hope''), the first major changes were made in 1997 for the release of a Special Edition remaster in commemoration of the franchise's 20th anniversary. These changes were largely made as visual effects tests for the forthcoming prequel films, demonstrating the possibilities of [[computer-generated imagery]] (CGI). Additional notable changes were made when the original trilogy was released on DVD in 2004, in an attempt to create more consistency with the prequel trilogy. More changes were made to the films for their [[Blu-ray]] release in 2011 and for their [[4K Ultra HD]] release in 2019.

Although some fans and critics felt that many of the smaller changes were innocuous or justified, most larger changes were received negatively—particularly those made to the original three films, the theatrical versions of which have never been officially released in [[High-definition video|high definition]]. Although the master [[Negative (photography)|negatives]] of the original trilogy were dismantled, another set of [[Separation masters|high-quality duplicates]] was created for long-term preservation.

==Background==
{{See also|Final cut privilege}}

Prior to making ''A New Hope'', Lucas experienced dissatisfaction with the changes made to his previous films by the studios that produced them. His first feature, ''[[THX 1138]]'' (1971), had five minutes removed by [[Warner Bros. Pictures|Warner Bros.]]<ref name=":23">{{Cite book |last=Pollock |first=Dale |title=Skywalking: The Life and Films of George Lucas |publisher=Elm Tree Books |year=1983 |isbn=0-241-11034-3 |location=London |pages=98 |language=en |author-link=Dale Pollock}}</ref> His next film, ''[[American Graffiti]]'' (1973), had several minutes removed by [[Universal Pictures]].<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |last=Coate |first=Michael |date=August 1, 2013 |title=Where Were You In '73? Remembering American Graffiti On Its 40th Anniversary |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/columns/history-legacy--showmanship/where-were-you-in-73-american-graffiti-40th |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809045831/http://www.thedigitalbits.com:80/columns/history-legacy--showmanship/where-were-you-in-73-american-graffiti-40th |archive-date=August 9, 2013 |access-date=2021-12-27 |website=The Digital Bits |language=en-gb}}</ref> Following the success of ''A New Hope'', Lucas's original version of ''THX 1138'' was theatrically released in 1977.<ref name=":23" /> The original version of ''American Graffiti'' was released theatrically in 1978, and was further altered for the 1998 DVD release with a CGI modification to the opening shot.<ref name=":27" /> In 2004, Lucas supervised a [[director's cut]] of ''THX 1138'', which included new special effects.<ref>{{Cite interview |interviewer=Bill Desowitz |title=Back to the Future with 'THX 1138' |url=https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/back-future-thx-1138 |access-date=2021-12-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028174522/https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/back-future-thx-1138 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |url-status=live |work=[[Animation World Network]] |date=October 11, 2004 |subject1=Hill, Paul |subject2=Preston, Henry}}</ref> As an advocate for the moral rights of artists, Lucas spoke before the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] in 1988 in support of legislation that would discourage studios from altering films without the consent of the creators of those films.<ref name=":1988">{{Cite web |date=August 4, 1988 |title=Colorization Issue May Be Decided by Committee Today |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-04-ca-10337-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230120314/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-04-ca-10337-story.html |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Eveleth |first=Rose |date=2014-08-27 |title=The Star Wars George Lucas Doesn't Want You To See |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/08/the-star-wars-george-lucas-doesnt-want-you-to-see/379184/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316164631/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/08/the-star-wars-george-lucas-doesnt-want-you-to-see/379184/ |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}</ref> Lucas stated:<blockquote>People who alter or destroy works of art, and our cultural heritage, for profit or as an exercise of power are barbarians&nbsp;... Today, engineers with their computers can&nbsp;... add or subtract material to the philosophical taste of the copyright holder. Tomorrow, more advanced technology will be able to replace actors with "fresher faces," or alter dialogue&nbsp;... Attention should be paid to the interest of those who are yet unborn, who should be able to see&nbsp;... the past generation as it saw itself, and how it worked with the mediums that were available to it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lucas |first=George |date=28 February 1988 |title=Lucas And Spielberg, In Defense Of Artist's Rights |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1988/02/28/lucas-and-spielberg-in-defense-of-artists-rights/90f4ee29-d742-4b22-8834-e11b94ba40b3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104114618/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1988/02/28/lucas-and-spielberg-in-defense-of-artists-rights/90f4ee29-d742-4b22-8834-e11b94ba40b3/ |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |access-date=4 January 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref></blockquote>

==Release history==
* 1977: In May, ''Star Wars'' was theatrically released.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=George Lucas |url=http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/SearchResult.aspx?s=&TBL=PN&Type=DP&ID=58957&pName=%20%20George%20Lucas |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328111312/http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/SearchResult.aspx?s%3D%26TBL%3DPN%26Type%3DDP%26ID%3D58957%26pName%3D++George+Lucas |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |website=Catalog of Feature Films |publisher=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref> Three different audio versions (a [[Dolby Stereo]] mix, a six-channel mix for [[70 mm film|70&nbsp;mm]] screenings, and a [[Monaural sound|mono]] mix [[Release print|print]]) were created, with significant differences. Notably, the mono mix print featured several alternate and additional sound effects and lines of dialogue.<ref>[[Burtt, Ben]] (2004). ''Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope'', audio commentary (DVD). [[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment]]. Event occurs at 1:23.</ref> Later that year, among others, a silent, English-subtitled [[Super 8 film|Super&nbsp;8]] reel version of the film was released by Ken Films.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2014 |title=SW Super 8 Film--Color, Silent |url=http://theswca.com/index.php?action=disp_item&item_id=54993 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304190800/http://theswca.com/index.php?action=disp_item&item_id=54993 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=March 18, 2021 |website=theswca.com |publisher=Star Wars Collectors Archive}}</ref>
* 1980: In May, ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'' was theatrically released.<ref name=":12" /> After its initial opening, but before its wide release, Lucas extended the end sequence.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Seastrom |first=Lucas |date=2020-05-18 |title=Empire at 40 {{!}} Some Last-Minute Magic: Changes to the Original Ending of ''Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back'' |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/empire-at-40-star-wars-the-empire-strikes-back-ending-changes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213220751/https://www.starwars.com/news/empire-at-40-star-wars-the-empire-strikes-back-ending-changes |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |access-date=2020-05-21 |website=StarWars.com |language=en-US}}</ref> A 70&nbsp;mm print of the film differed from the more widely distributed [[35 mm movie film|35 mm]] print in [[take]]s of dialogue, visual and sound effects, shot choices, and transitions between shots;<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Matessino |first=Michael |date=January–February 1997 |title=70mm Variations Strike Back |url=http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/backissues/viewissue.cfm?issueID=10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018014826/http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/backissues/viewissue.cfm?issueID=10 |archive-date=October 18, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |magazine=[[Film Score Monthly]] |page=15 |volume=2 |issue=1}}</ref> none of these changes appeared in later releases, with exception of one dialogue change.<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine |last=Kirby |first=Ben |date=January 31, 2017 |title=Who Shot First? The Complete List Of Star Wars Changes |url=http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-changes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507084052/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/star-wars-changes/ |archive-date=May 7, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |magazine=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]}}</ref>
* 1981: In April, ''Star Wars'' was re-released, with [[Star Wars (film)#Theatrical re-releases|the addition of the subtitles]] "''Episode IV''{{-"}} and "''A New Hope''{{-"}} added to the [[Star Wars opening crawl|opening crawl]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope |url=http://lucasfilm.com/star-wars-episode-4-a-new-hope |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215040725/http://lucasfilm.com/star-wars-episode-4-a-new-hope |archive-date=February 15, 2014 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |publisher=[[Lucasfilm]]}}</ref>
* 1983: In May, ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'' was theatrically released.<ref name=":12" />
* 1985: The original ''Star Wars'' film was re-released on [[VHS]], [[LaserDisc]], and [[Capacitance Electronic Disc]] (CED) with an improved [[Audio mixing|audio mix]] (featuring a fusion of Lucas's preferred audio takes from the three 1977 mixes).<ref name=":33">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaeTOMvf67c |title=How to Watch Star Wars, Part Two: The Special Editions Are the Movies, Get Over It |date=2022-05-08 |last=Worley |first=Rick |author-link=Rick Worley |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2024-07-12}}</ref> The LaserDisc and CED sped the film up by 3% to fit onto a single disc.<ref name=":6" />{{efn|Some releases additionally had minor [[Aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]] changes.<ref name=":6" />}}
* 1993: The original trilogy was released on LaserDisc as "The Definitive Collection". With the exception of a new [[THX]] audio mix, scratch and dirt removal, and [[color balance]] changes, it matched the original theatrical releases.<ref name=":6" />
* 1995: The original trilogy was re-released on VHS with THX audio, advertised as the final release of the theatrical versions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dracula |first=Matt |date=2015-11-10 |title=Collectibles from the Outer Rim: Star Wars VHS Releases! |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/collectibles-from-the-outer-rim-star-wars-vhs-releases |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203192510/https://www.starwars.com/news/collectibles-from-the-outer-rim-star-wars-vhs-releases |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=2020-12-13 |website=StarWars.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Daly |first=Steve |date=September 15, 1995 |title=Video Review: 'The Star Wars Trilogy' |url=http://ew.com/article/1995/09/15/video-review-star-wars-trilogy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102141313/http://www.ew.com/article/1995/09/15/video-review-star-wars-trilogy |archive-date=November 2, 2015 |access-date=July 19, 2017 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Fitzpatrick |first1=Eileen |last2=Goldstein |first2=Seth |date=July 1, 1997 |title=Video at 'Miracle' Price; Last Shot for 'Star Wars' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rgsEAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725013609/https://books.google.com/books?id=rgsEAAAAMBAJ |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=July 19, 2017 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=107 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>
* 1997: The "Special Edition" of the original trilogy was released theatrically from January through March for the 20th anniversary of ''Star Wars''. This release featured the first significant changes, which were intended to prove that [[Industrial Light & Magic]] (ILM) could effectively produce CGI [[visual effects]] for the [[prequel trilogy]]. For the "Special Edition" of ''A New Hope'', the additional sound effects and lines of dialogue from the original mono mix print were carried over.<ref name="plus">{{Cite magazine |last=Stewart |first=Drew |date=31 March 2020 |title=Disney+ Should Offer the Star Wars Original Cuts—All of Them |url=https://www.wired.com/story/put-original-star-wars-on-disney-plus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121185320/https://www.wired.com/story/put-original-star-wars-on-disney-plus/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |access-date=1 April 2020 |magazine=Wired}}</ref><ref name=":6" />{{efn|Lucas has stated that "There are two or three shots that are really bad and I know that [1977's ''Star Wars''] is going to be judged on that. I was embarrassed. In 1993, the 20th anniversary was coming up and that was the impetus for doing a Special Edition of A New Hope – to bring it up to the standard we were aiming for." Lucas has also stated, "Once I had started redoing the first film, it was such a good experience, I said "we should go back and finish the other two as well".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Duncan |first=Paul |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1220858943 |title=The Star Wars Archives: Episodes I–III – 1999–2005 |publisher=[[Taschen]] |year=2020 |isbn=978-3-8365-6344-4 |location=Cologne |language=en |oclc=1220858943 |access-date=January 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813045314/https://www.worldcat.org/title/star-wars-archives-episodes-i-iii-1999-2005/oclc/1220858943 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{page needed|date=January 2022}}}}{{efn|Some state that the changes were intended to modernize the films and create consistency with the prequel trilogy.<ref name=":6" />}}
* 1999: In May, ''[[Episode I – The Phantom Menace]]'' was theatrically released.<ref name=":12" />
* 2001: In November, ''The Phantom Menace'' was released on [[DVD]], which features a slightly extended cut from the theatrical release.<ref name="DuPont">{{Cite web |last=DuPont |first=Alexandra |year=2001 |title=Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace |url=http://www.dvdjournal.com/reviews/s/starwars_phantommenace.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204120741/http://www.dvdjournal.com/reviews/s/starwars_phantommenace.shtml |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=The DVD Journal}}</ref>
* 2002: In May, ''[[Episode II – Attack of the Clones]]'' was theatrically released.<ref name=":12" /> A version made for [[Digital cinema|digital-projection]] theaters included a few special effects which were not ready for the initial wide release;{{efn|name=IIdigital|These include the addition of sparks to [[Jango Fett]]'s jetpack just before he is beheaded by [[Mace Windu]] and [[Anakin Skywalker]] using his mechanical hand to take [[Padmé]]'s hand during the wedding scene.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pooley |first=Jack |date=2021-09-07 |title=20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones: #5 |url=https://whatculture.com/film/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-star-wars-attack-of-the-clones?page=16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909115557/https://whatculture.com/film/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-star-wars-attack-of-the-clones?page=16 |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |access-date=2021-09-09 |website=[[WhatCulture]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=EpIIDVD/>}} the DVD features the digital version<ref name="EpIIDVD">{{Cite AV media |title=Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones ''audio commentary'' |last=Lucas |first=George |type=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox Home Entertainment |year=2002 |time=112, 135}}</ref> with some extended lines of dialogue.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=October 9, 2002 |title=DVD Review - Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones |url=https://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/reviews2/starwarsepisode2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930080410/https://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/reviews2/starwarsepisode2.html |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=The Digital Bits}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2011 |title=Return To Tatooine |url=http://starwarz.com/tbone/return-to-tatooine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930080418/http://starwarz.com/tbone/return-to-tatooine/ |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=T-bone's Star Wars Universe}}</ref> A version was also made for [[IMAX]] theaters using IMAX's then-new digital-mastering process, with the [[Aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]] cropped to 1.81:1 and the duration reduced to 120 minutes due to IMAX film platter limitations at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Making it BIG: Episode II -- The IMAX Experience |url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-ii/feature/20021011/indexp2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023103030/http://www.starwars.com/episode-ii/feature/20021011/indexp2.html |archive-date=October 23, 2004 |access-date=September 17, 2022 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref name="Ep2IMAXInterview">{{Cite web |last=Kallay |first=William |date=December 2002 |title=An Interview With Jim Ward, V.P. of Marketing, Lucasfilm, Ltd. |url=https://in70mm.com/news/2002/star_wars/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920163657/https://in70mm.com/news/2002/star_wars/index.htm |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=in70mm.com |quote=... it seemed like 1.81:1 was the best balance ... without having to get too dramatic on a [[pan-and-scan]] basis. ... We used the pan-and-scan version of the DVD as sort of a guideline.}}</ref>
* 2004: In September, the original trilogy was released on DVD. Further significant alterations were made,<ref name=":6" /> including replacing [[Latin script]] text with [[Aurebesh]].<ref name=plus/>
* 2005: In May, ''[[Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]'' was theatrically released.<ref name=":12" /> The DVD release features a minor editing change.<ref name="iiidvd">{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (Comparison: DVD Version - Blu-ray Version) |url=https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=879092 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727192418/https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=879092 |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=Movie-Censorship.com}}</ref>{{efn|This was reversed for the 2011 [[Blu-ray]].<ref name=iiidvd/>}}
* 2006: In September, Limited Edition DVDs of the 2004 versions of the original trilogy were {{Nowrap|re-issued}}; these contain the original unaltered versions on bonus discs. These match the 1993 LaserDisc release, sans the subtitle ''Episode IV{{snd}}A New Hope''.<ref name=":6" />{{efn|According to ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'', "the quality of the transfer is laughably bad, with a non-anamorphic [[letterboxed]] [[4:3 aspect ratio]] creating huge black bars on all sides of the film, if watched on a widescreen TV."<ref name=":6" /> A review from [[IGN]] was more mixed, praising the DVDs themselves and the inclusion of both the original and enhanced versions, while the main area of criticism was on Lucas' decision to delay specifically the theatrical versions' home media release, calling it a "back-handed show of gratitude to fans."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |date=2006-09-12 |title=Star Wars Limited Edition 2006 DVD Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/12/double-dip-digest-star-wars |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>}}
* 2011: The original and prequel trilogy were released on [[Blu-ray]]. Alterations were made to all six films.<ref name=":6" />
* 2012: ''The Phantom Menace'' was theatrically re-released in [[3D film|3D]], with an additional minor change to one shot.<ref name=":30">{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2020 |title=Star Wars - Episode I: The Phantom Menace (Comparison: Blu-ray Edition (Fox) - 4K-Remastered Blu-ray (Disney)) |url=https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=326049 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210053533/https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=326049 |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=Movie-Censorship.com}}</ref>
* 2015: The original and prequel films were released as a digital download. They are identical to their Blu-ray release, except for changes to the opening logos and [[fanfare]]s.<ref name=":6" />{{efn|[[20th Century Fox#Logo and fanfare|The 20th Century Fox logo and fanfare]] were removed from ''The Empire Strikes Back'', ''Return of the Jedi'', and the prequel films as a result of [[Disney]]'s 2012 acquisition of [[Lucasfilm]]. It remained on ''A New Hope'' as Fox retained the full rights to the film after the acquisition. As a result, a new fanfare, based on the ending part of "The Rebel Fleet/End Title", from ''The Empire Strikes Back'', composed by [[John Williams]], plays over the 1997 [[Lucasfilm]] logo.<ref name=slash/>}} The U.S. [[Library of Congress]] made the original release of ''Star Wars'' available to watch in person.<ref name=":5" />{{efn|In 1989, the original release of ''Star Wars'' was selected for preservation in the [[National Film Registry]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Complete National Film Registry Listing |url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217172059/https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ |archive-date=December 17, 2014 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |publisher=[[Library of Congress]]}}</ref> In 2014, it still did not have a "working copy" (a copy available for public viewing) of the 1977 film; George Lucas refused to submit the original, stating that he no longer authorized the release of the theatrical version.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine |last=Eveleth |first=Rose |author-link=Rose Eveleth |date=August 27, 2014 |title=The ''Star Wars'' George Lucas Doesn't Want You To See |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/08/the-star-wars-george-lucas-doesnt-want-you-to-see/379184/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828030602/http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/08/the-star-wars-george-lucas-doesnt-want-you-to-see/379184/ |archive-date=August 28, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2017 |magazine=[[The Atlantic]]}}</ref> [[Lucasfilm]] offered the 1997 Special Edition release, but the Registry refused it as the first published version must be accepted.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Abramo |first=Donya |date=February 23, 2017 |title=Unaltered Star Wars theatrical cuts rumored to be released: Why it's culturally important |url=http://www.hypable.com/unaltered-star-wars-original-trilogy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813045314/https://www.hypable.com/unaltered-star-wars-original-trilogy/ |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |publisher=Hypable}}</ref> The Library subsequently used a 35 mm print of the original version of the film (which had been submitted in 1978 as part of the film's [[copyright deposit]]) to make a digital working copy.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Unaloff |first=Lance |date=December 17, 2015 |title=The search for the 'Star Wars' George Lucas doesn't want you to see |url=http://mashable.com/2015/12/17/star-wars-original-cut/#d8NuxpGI9gq7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013075503/http://mashable.com/2015/12/17/star-wars-original-cut/#d8NuxpGI9gq7 |archive-date=October 13, 2016 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |publisher=[[Mashable]]}}</ref>}} The [[sequel trilogy]] film ''[[The Force Awakens]]'' was theatrically released in both standard and [[IMAX]] formats.<ref name=":29">{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=2021-11-08 |title=IMAX Enhanced Format Launching On Disney+ With These 13 Movies |url=https://www.slashgear.com/imax-enhanced-format-launching-on-disney-with-these-13-movies-08698634/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630205859/https://www.slashgear.com/imax-enhanced-format-launching-on-disney-with-these-13-movies-08698634/ |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=SlashGear |publisher=[[Static Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
* 2019: The original and prequel films were released in [[4K&nbsp;resolution]] and [[High-dynamic-range television|HDR]] on [[Disney]]'s streaming service, [[Disney+]].<ref name=slash/>{{efn|The 20th Century Fox logo and fanfare were restored to the five films they had been removed from in 2015 as a result of Disney's [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney|acquisition of 21st Century Fox]] earlier in 2019. As a result, the [[News Corporation]] byline was removed. Furthermore, the 1997 [[Lucasfilm]] logo was changed to the 2015 logo.<ref name="slash">{{Cite web |last=Bui |first=Hoai-Tran |date=November 12, 2019 |title=Disney+ Changes Original 'Star Wars' Trilogy to Include Classic Fox Fanfare and Newly Tweaked Han/Greedo Confrontation |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/star-wars-disney-changes-fox-fanfare-logo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112170435/https://www.slashfilm.com/star-wars-disney-changes-fox-fanfare-logo/ |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019 |website=[[/Film]]}}</ref>}} Color, compositing, and minor effects adjustments were made to all three films of the original trilogy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=December 24, 2019 |title=Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – A Visual Guide to Changes, Fixes, and Tweaks in the Disney+ 4K Version |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-empire-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225161104/https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-empire-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-6 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=December 25, 2019 |website=The Digital Bits |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref name=cbr/>

== Significant changes ==
===''Star Wars''===
====Title====
[[Star Wars (film)|The franchise-originating film]] was released in 1977, under the title ''Star Wars''. The subtitle ''Episode IV{{snd}}A New Hope'' was retroactively added to the opening crawl for the theatrical {{Nowrap|re-release}} on April 10, 1981,<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2007 |title=30 pieces of trivia about ''Star Wars'' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6679425.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911023135/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6679425.stm |archive-date=September 11, 2007 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> to align with the titling of the sequel, ''Star Wars: Episode V{{snd}}The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980).<ref name=":6" />

====Tatooine====
[[Aunt Beru]]'s dialogue was re-recorded with a different actress for the 1977 mono release, although the original actress was used for all later editions.<ref name=":33" />

Some scenes on [[Tatooine]] were modified for the 1997 Special Edition, most notably an alteration to the [[Greedo]] scene and the restoration of a deleted scene featuring [[Jabba the Hutt]]. During the Empire's search for the droids, two newly filmed shots of [[Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|stormtroopers]] and CGI [[Dewback]] lizards were added. In another shot, a static Dewback was replaced with a moving CGI version. Writing in ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' magazine, Drew Stewart claimed the rationale for the added content was to illustrate the extent of the Empire's search, but criticized the new shots as "people wandering aimlessly."<ref name=plus/><ref>''Anatomy of a Dewback'' (1997). Featurette produced for StarWars.com.</ref>{{efn|Additionally, Stewart notes that though "the dewback model was rebuilt for the prequels&nbsp;... the test model was left front-and-center in a classic film."<ref name=plus/>}} The sound [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] makes to scare off the [[Tusken Raiders]] was changed for the 2004 DVD release, and then again for the 2011 Blu-ray release.<ref name=":17" /> In the scene in which [[R2-D2]] hides in a cave, rocks were inserted in front of the cave for the Blu-ray release.<ref name="plus" />{{efn|Stewart claims there is "no visible way" for R2-D2 to have gotten into the cave.<ref name=plus/>}} 

Other alterations introduced in various releases include a CGI replacement of the Jawa [[sandcrawler]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Sarah |date=2015-10-24 |title=Star Wars Original Trilogy Changes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-special-edition-changes-original-trilogy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102150854/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-special-edition-changes-original-trilogy/ |archive-date=November 2, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-30 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> the replacement of an external shot of Obi-Wan's hut with a new angle showing [[Luke Skywalker]]'s parked [[landspeeder]],<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Tony |date=December 17, 2015 |title=How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Star Wars Special Editions |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/12/17/star_wars_special_editions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128220157/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/12/17/star_wars_special_editions/ |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |access-date=February 26, 2020 |website=The Register}}</ref> and color and continuity changes involving the binary sunset.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyler |first=Adrienne |date=2020-08-12 |title=George Lucas Fixed Star Wars Binary Sunset Continuity Error In 2004 |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-new-hope-lucas-twin-sunset-fix/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212459/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-new-hope-lucas-twin-sunset-fix/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |access-date=2020-08-13 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The shadow of the landspeeder was redone in one shot,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=December 4, 2019 |title=Star Wars: A New Hope – A Visual Guide to Changes, Fixes, and Tweaks in the Disney+ 4K Version |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-new-hope-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225161222/https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-new-hope-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-3 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=February 26, 2020 |website=The Digital Bits |language=en-gb}}</ref> and creatures, robots, and ships were added to [[Mos Eisley]], including elements created for the ''[[Shadows of the Empire]]'' multimedia campaign.<ref name="plus" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Rohan |date=2016-11-11 |title=20 secrets of Shadows of the Empire |url=http://www.forcematerial.com/home/2016/11/11/20-secrets-of-shadows-of-the-empire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216235241/http://www.forcematerial.com/home/2016/11/11/20-secrets-of-shadows-of-the-empire |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |access-date=2020-08-14 |website=Force Material |language=en-US}}</ref>{{efn|The computer-generated [[Imperial landing craft]] was created for the 1997 release of the film, but first appeared in ''Shadows of the Empire'' media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Databank {{!}} Imperial landing craft |url=http://starwars.com/databank/starship/imperiallandingcraft/?id=bts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050827222223/http://starwars.com/databank/starship/imperiallandingcraft/?id=bts |archive-date=August 27, 2005 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref>}} Some of the aliens in the cantina were replaced with new CGI characters, and a shot of the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' fighting its way out of Mos Eisley was added.<ref name=plus/>

=====Greedo=====
{{main|Han shot first}}

[[Han Solo]] is cornered in the Mos Eisley cantina by the [[Rodian]] bounty hunter Greedo. When Greedo begins threatening him, Han kills him by shooting under the table.<ref name=":5" /> The 1997 release of the film alters the scene so that Greedo shoots first and misses (with Han's head digitally pivoting away from the blaster bolt). The scene was changed again for the 2004 DVD release so that Han and Greedo shoot almost simultaneously;<ref name=":3" /> this was shortened by several frames for the 2011 Blu-ray release.<ref name="blink">{{Cite web |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |date=September 1, 2011 |title=More Changes to ''STAR WARS'' Include Blinking Ewoks and Different Cut of Greedo Shooting First |url=http://collider.com/star-wars-blu-ray-changes-2/112594/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814231002/https://collider.com/star-wars-blu-ray-changes-2/112594/ |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=2022-01-16 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> The scene was further modified for the 2019 4K Ultra HD release with the addition of a close-up shot of Greedo speaking (without subtitles),{{efn|The close-up is composed of cropped footage used a few seconds before.<ref name=cbr/> The dialogue, transcribed by fans as "maclunkey", is also spoken in ''The Phantom Menace'', where the apparently [[Huttese]] phrase is subtitled "This will be the end of you."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=November 12, 2019 |title=Disney+ reveals bizarre change to iconic 'Star Wars' scene |url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/12/disney-new-hope-han-greedo-macklunkey/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112211351/https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/12/disney-new-hope-han-greedo-macklunkey/ |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019 |website=EW.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-12 |title=In Latest Version of Star Wars' "Han Shot First" Scene, George Lucas Adds "Maclunkey" |url=https://slate.com/culture/2019/11/star-wars-greedo-han-shot-first-edited-again-maclunkey.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529144220/https://slate.com/culture/2019/11/star-wars-greedo-han-shot-first-edited-again-maclunkey.html |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=2019-11-17 |website=Slate Magazine}}</ref>}} as well as the removal of a reverse shot of Greedo, and a re-rendering of the visual effects.<ref name=slash/><ref name="verge">{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=November 12, 2019 |title=George Lucas changed Han Solo's scene with Greedo in Star Wars: A New Hope, Disney confirmed |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/12/20961173/disney-plus-star-wars-han-solo-greedo-new-hope-edit-george-lucas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112170437/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/12/20961173/disney-plus-star-wars-han-solo-greedo-new-hope-edit-george-lucas |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019 |website=The Verge}}</ref>{{efn|The change was made by Lucas before the 2012 sale of his company to Disney.<ref name=verge/>}}

The original version of the Greedo scene is considered iconic,<ref name="verge" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=November 12, 2019 |title=Disney+ version of A New Hope changes iconic 'Star Wars' scene |url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/12/disney-new-hope-han-greedo-macklunkey/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112211351/https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/12/disney-new-hope-han-greedo-macklunkey/ |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=2025-04-25 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref> while the altered version is one of the most controversial changes to the film by some. Some fans have coined the phrase "Han shot first" to protest the change,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patches |first=Matt |date=June 1, 2018 |title=Solo: A Star Wars Story makes the 'Han shot first' debate even messier |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/31/17409740/solo-a-star-wars-story-han-shot-first |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309052319/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/31/17409740/solo-a-star-wars-story-han-shot-first |archive-date=March 9, 2020 |access-date=2018-11-26 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> which according to ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' alters Han's moral ambiguity and his fundamental character.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last1=Polo |first1=Susana |last2=Hall |first2=Charlie |last3=Good |first3=Owen |last4=Tach |first4=Dave |date=December 17, 2015 |title=The Worst Things in Star Wars |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/12/17/10417180/worst-star-wars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228001924/http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/17/10417180/worst-star-wars |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2017 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> Lucas has stated that he always intended for Greedo to shoot first.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Stuever |first=Hank |date=December 5, 2015 |title=George Lucas: To feel the true force of 'Star Wars,' he had to learn to let it go |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/george-lucas-to-feel-the-true-force-of-star-wars-he-had-to-learn-to-let-it-go/2015/11/27/d752067a-8b1f-11e5-be8b-1ae2e4f50f76_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520162813/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/george-lucas-to-feel-the-true-force-of-star-wars-he-had-to-learn-to-let-it-go/2015/11/27/d752067a-8b1f-11e5-be8b-1ae2e4f50f76_story.html |archive-date=May 20, 2017 |access-date=May 17, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Block |first=Alex Ben |date=February 9, 2012 |title=5 Questions With George Lucas: Controversial 'Star Wars' Changes, SOPA and 'Indiana Jones 5' |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/george-lucas-star-wars-interview-288523 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218124308/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/george-lucas-star-wars-interview-288523 |archive-date=February 18, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> In 2015, a copy of an early draft of the ''Star Wars'' screenplay was discovered in the archives of the University of New Brunswick library. In the script, dated March 15, 1976, only Han shoots.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 8, 2015 |title=Copy of original Star Wars script discovered in UNB library |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/original-star-wars-script-discovered-in-unb-library-1.3104206 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608202536/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/original-star-wars-script-discovered-in-unb-library-1.3104206 |archive-date=June 8, 2015 |access-date=October 4, 2015 |publisher=[[CBC.ca]]}}</ref> Greedo actor [[Paul Blake (actor, born 1949)|Paul Blake]] has also claimed that in the [[shooting script]], Han fired the only shot.<ref name="nydailynews">{{Cite news |last=Sacks |first=Ethan |date=May 5, 2016 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Greedo actor wants 'Star Wars' to restore Han Solo shooting first scene: 'It does give him a little more glory' |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/greedo-actor-star-wars-restore-han-solo-shooting-article-1.2623730 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506005608/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/greedo-actor-star-wars-restore-han-solo-shooting-article-1.2623730 |archive-date=May 6, 2016 |access-date=May 5, 2016 |work=Daily News |location=}}</ref> Lucas explained that he wanted Han to be a [[John Wayne]]-type character who allows his enemy to have the first shot before retaliating.<ref name=":1" />{{efn|In various films, such as ''[[Riders of Destiny]]'' (1933) and ''[[Red River (1948 film)|Red River]]'' (1948), John Wayne's character shoots down his opponent as he draws his pistol.<ref>''Riders of Destiny'' (1933). [https://www.budgetfilms.com/clip/19488/ Clip] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410064749/https://www.budgetfilms.com/clip/19488/ |date=April 10, 2024 }}</ref><ref>''Red River'' (1948). Events occurs at 17. [https://www.filmsite.org/redr.html Scene transcript] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219065847/https://www.filmsite.org/redr.html |date=December 19, 2021 }} via [[Filmsite.org]]. Retrieved December 18, 2021.</ref>}} He claims the original version of the scene portrayed Han as a "cold-blooded killer". Writing in ''Wired'', Matt Blum claimed that Han shot in self-defense, and that it is therefore inaccurate to call him a cold-blooded killer.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Blum |first=Matt |date=February 10, 2012 |title=We Don't Care What You Say, George: Han Shot First! |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/02/han-shot-first/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607055710/https://www.wired.com/2012/02/han-shot-first/ |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |access-date=2024-04-11 |magazine=Wired}}</ref>

=====Jabba the Hutt=====
{{further|Jabba the Hutt}}

The original script for ''Star Wars'' included a scene with Han and Jabba in a Mos Eisley docking bay. The scene was filmed by a [[second unit]] with [[Declan Mulholland]] wearing a furry vest as a stand-in for Jabba.<ref name=":17" /><ref name=":16" /><ref name="vfx">{{Cite web |last=Failes |first=Ian |date=2017-01-31 |title=You're a wonderful human being: re-visiting CG Jabba 20 years later |url=https://vfxblog.com/2017/01/31/youre-a-wonderful-human-being-re-visiting-cg-jabba-20-years-later/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204142725/https://vfxblog.com/2017/01/31/youre-a-wonderful-human-being-re-visiting-cg-jabba-20-years-later/ |archive-date=February 4, 2017 |access-date=2021-12-20 |website=vfxblog |language=en}}</ref> Lucas intended to replace Mulholland in [[post-production]] with a [[Stop motion|stop-motion]] character, but due to time limitations and budget constraints, the entire scene was cut. In the 1997 Special Edition, the scene was reinserted with a CGI Jabba replacing Mulholland.<ref name=":17" /> This was an early example of a fully CGI, speaking character in a film. The character preceded [[Jar Jar Binks]] in ''The Phantom Menace'' by two years, who was a combination of CGI and motion capture.<ref name="vfx" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Placido |first=Dani Di |date=October 31, 2017 |title=Jar Jar Binks Actor Claims His Role In Cinema History Has Been Forgotten |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2017/10/31/jar-jar-binks-actor-claims-his-role-in-cinema-history-has-been-forgotten/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723130246/https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2017/10/31/jar-jar-binks-actor-claims-his-role-in-cinema-history-has-been-forgotten/ |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |access-date=April 17, 2019 |magazine=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> To explain Jabba's mobility despite his sluglike form, artist Claudia Mullaly conceived of [[repulsorlift]]s (one of which he sits upright in), but this concept was dropped.<ref name="6FascinatingFacts">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Steven |date=2015-09-17 |title=6 Fascinating Behind-The-Scenes Concepts From The ''Star Wars'' Trilogy Special Edition |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/6-fascinating-behind-the-scenes-concepts-from-the-star-wars-trilogy-special-edition |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920205102/https://www.starwars.com/news/6-fascinating-behind-the-scenes-concepts-from-the-star-wars-trilogy-special-edition |archive-date=September 20, 2015 |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=StarWars.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the original footage, [[Harrison Ford]] walked through the area where Jabba's tail would be. As a workaround, Han was digitally moved to appear as if he steps on Jabba's tail, with the Hutt squealing as a result.<ref name=":17" /> This part of the scene has been poorly received, including by its original animator [[Steve Williams (animator)|Steve Williams]].<ref name=":17" /><ref name="vfx" /> [[Boba Fett]] and several Rodians (at least one of whom is a [[look-alike]] of Greedo in the background) also appear in the scene, with Fett seeming to break the [[fourth wall]].<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Agar |first=Chris |date=2020-07-27 |title=Star Wars: Why George Lucas Added Jabba the Hutt & Boba Fett Into New Hope |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-jabba-boba-fett-lucas-changes-reason/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802215019/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-jabba-boba-fett-lucas-changes-reason/ |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |access-date=2021-04-17 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="vfx" />

The insertion of this scene was criticized for being superfluous and slowing down the pace of the narrative. Critics also claimed that it undermined the introduction of both the ''Millennium Falcon'' (in the following scene) and of Jabba (in ''Return of the Jedi'').<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Watkins |first=Gwynne |date=July 29, 2015 |title=15 Changes to the Original 'Star Wars' Trilogy That Still Make Us Crazy |url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/15-changes-to-the-original-star-wars-trilogy-125345399182.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702022041/https://www.yahoo.com/movies/15-changes-to-the-original-star-wars-trilogy-125345399182.html |archive-date=July 2, 2016 |access-date=February 28, 2019 |publisher=[[Yahoo!]]}}</ref><ref name=":16" /><ref name=":26">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=David |date=2021-11-25 |title=Why The Star Wars Special Editions Are So Hated |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-new-hope-special-edition-criticism-problems-hated/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125235304/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-new-hope-special-edition-criticism-problems-hated/ |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |access-date=2021-11-26 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaefer |first=Sandy |date=2022-04-27 |title=Why A Pivotal Harrison Ford Star Wars Scene Sat Unfinished For 20 Years |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/845091/why-a-pivotal-harrison-ford-star-wars-scene-sat-unfinished-for-20-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513063146/https://www.slashfilm.com/845091/why-a-pivotal-harrison-ford-star-wars-scene-sat-unfinished-for-20-years/ |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=[[/Film]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The 1997 CGI Jabba has been described as "atrocious",<ref name=":17" /> and for the 2004 DVD release was replaced with a higher-fidelity version resembling the one in ''The Phantom Menace''.<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Counter |first=Ben |date=2017-07-29 |title=Star Wars: 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Jabba The Hutt: #1 |url=https://whatculture.com/film/star-wars-10-things-you-probably-didn-39-t-know-about-jabba-the-hutt?page=10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802084422/http://whatculture.com:80/film/star-wars-10-things-you-probably-didn-39-t-know-about-jabba-the-hutt?page=10 |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=2021-12-12 |website=WhatCulture |language=en}}</ref><ref name="vfx" /> On the 2004 DVD audio commentary for ''A New Hope'', Lucas said that while he did not mind cutting the scene when he was not sure if he could make sequels, he reintroduced it because Jabba is important to Han's larger story arc.<ref>Lucas, George (2004). ''Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope'' audio commentary (DVD). 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Event occurs at 53.</ref> ''[[ScreenCrush]]'' later reflected that the 2004 version "was an improvement, but only in the way that nausea is an improvement over vomit".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Matt |date=2022-01-06 |title='Star Wars' Hutts Should Never, Ever Be CGI |url=https://screencrush.com/jabba-the-hutt-bad-cgi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202183915/https://screencrush.com/jabba-the-hutt-bad-cgi/ |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |access-date=2022-02-14 |website=[[ScreenCrush]] |language=en}}</ref>

====Luke's lightsaber====
During the training scene aboard the ''Millennium Falcon'', Luke's [[lightsaber]]—which in some releases had erroneously appeared green—was corrected to blue in the 2011 release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyler |first=Adrienne |date=2019-11-06 |title=Every Version Of The Original Star Wars Movies Explained |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-movies-versions-editions-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107155232/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-movies-versions-editions-explained/ |archive-date=November 7, 2019 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="cbr" />

====Death Star====
For the Special Edition, a scene of Han chasing a squad of stormtroopers on the [[Death Star]] was altered to replace several stormtroopers at the end of the corridor with dozens in formation. ''[[Den of Geek]]'' criticized the change as being "too much" and making Han's shooting back at them less believable.<ref name=":16" /> Two ''[[Screen Rant]]'' writers call the updated version "utterly ridiculous" but "much funnier".<ref name=":28" /><ref name=":24" /> Another shot of a stormtrooper hitting his head on a door had a sound effect added in 2004, making it seem like the goof was intentional.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leadbeater |first=Alex |date=2015-09-01 |title=10 Most Pointless Changes To The Star Wars Movies You Never Even Noticed: #7 |url=https://whatculture.com/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521034123/http://whatculture.com:80/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=5 |archive-date=May 21, 2016 |access-date=2021-11-26 |website=WhatCulture |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 4, 2019 |title=Which stormtrooper bonked his head on a door? Investigating a Star Wars mystery |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/trump-s-odds-for-re-election-house-hippos-are-back-empire-strikes-door-bahamas-tourism-after-dorian-more-1.5306553/which-stormtrooper-bonked-his-head-on-a-door-investigating-a-star-wars-mystery-1.5306560 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126112321/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/trump-s-odds-for-re-election-house-hippos-are-back-empire-strikes-door-bahamas-tourism-after-dorian-more-1.5306553/which-stormtrooper-bonked-his-head-on-a-door-investigating-a-star-wars-mystery-1.5306560 |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |access-date=2021-11-26 |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref>

In the original version of Obi-Wan and [[Darth Vader]]'s duel, Obi-Wan's saber appeared to "short out" when [[foreshortened]] toward the camera (a result of the in-camera effects failing to account for this viewing angle).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Leon |date=2018-05-24 |title=Star Wars: 20 Crazy Behind-The-Scenes Facts About Lightsabers |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-lightsaber-behind-scenes-facts-trivia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212507/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-lightsaber-behind-scenes-facts-trivia/ |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-16 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A glow was added in 2004, and a fully finished blade was added to these shots in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=December 4, 2019 |title=Star Wars: A New Hope – A Visual Guide to Changes, Fixes, and Tweaks in the Disney+ 4K Version |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-new-hope-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922213158/https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-new-hope-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-6 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-16 |website=The Digital Bits |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Can't Even Get the Special Edition Right |url=https://savestarwars.com/specialeditionfail.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819043940/http://savestarwars.com:80/specialeditionfail.html |archive-date=August 19, 2010 |access-date=2022-01-16 |website=Saving Star Wars}}</ref> Also in the 2019 version, Obi-Wan's lightsaber was adjusted to appear consistently blue, and the flash effects of the lightsabers clashing was redone.<ref name="cbr">{{Cite web |last=Caicoya |first=Bea |date=November 24, 2019 |title=Star Wars: Every Disney+ Change Made to A New Hope |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-every-disney-change-made-to-a-new-hope/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128064342/https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-every-disney-change-made-to-a-new-hope/ |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |access-date=November 24, 2019 |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Luke |date=2019-11-18 |title=Star Wars: Obi-Wan vs. Darth Vader Has New Lightsaber Effects On Disney+ |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-changes-obi-wan-vader-lightsabers-disney-plus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113235331/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-changes-obi-wan-vader-lightsabers-disney-plus/ |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-16 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Both the explosions of [[Alderaan]] and the Death Star had shockwaves added to them starting with the 1997 edition.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":24" />

====Yavin 4====
The Special Edition of ''A New Hope'' incorporated a deleted scene on [[Yavin&nbsp;4]], in which Luke is briefly reunited with his childhood friend [[Biggs Darklighter]]. This was felt by some to strengthen the relationship of the characters during the climactic Death Star attack run.<ref name=":25">{{Cite news |last=Vanderbilt |first=Mike |date=May 11, 2015 |title=Finally, ''Star Wars'' character Biggs Darklighter gets his due |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/finally-star-wars-character-biggs-darklighter-gets-219263 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713085649/http://www.avclub.com/article/finally-star-wars-character-biggs-darklighter-gets-219263 |archive-date=July 13, 2017 |access-date=July 26, 2017 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Whitbrook |first=James |date=September 28, 2015 |title=6 Ways the ''Star Wars'' Special Editions Actually Improved The Original Trilogy |url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/6-ways-the-star-wars-special-editions-actually-improved-1733368444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801224142/http://io9.gizmodo.com/6-ways-the-star-wars-special-editions-actually-improved-1733368444 |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |access-date=July 26, 2017 |publisher=[[io9]]}}</ref>{{efn|''Wired'' writes, "The one interesting part of the [full version of the cut scene] was how [[Garven Dreis|Red Leader]] mentioned flying with Luke's father, a possible tie to the prequels ... cut out by having a technician walk across the screen and hiding the cut dialog with a time jump. Unfortunately, this is done poorly, as the missing time is reflected by R2's literal jump by several feet in his rise to the {{nowrap|[[X-wing fighter|X-wing]]}}."<ref name=plus/>}} The scene also included the appearance of Red X-Wing Squadron Leader [[Garven Dreis]], an addition that pleased his actor [[Drewe Henley]] although his credit remained not corrected.<ref name="isw">{{Cite news |last=Scott Chernoff |date=June 1998 |title=In the Star Wars Universe: Drewe Henley – Leader of the Pack |work=[[Star Wars Insider]] Issue 38}}</ref>

The original film includes a two-shot sequence of [[X-wing fighter]]s flying past Yavin towards the Death Star (showing the fighters from behind, then the front). For the 1997 edition, these were replaced with a 180° turn of CGI {{Nowrap|X-wings}} (seen from the front, then the back). ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' points out that the addition of the moon (Yavin&nbsp;4) in the background places it "very clearly in range of the Death Star from the very beginning of the battle."<ref name=plus/> Additionally, engine sounds were added to the battle scene which make parts of the musical score difficult to hear.<ref name=":16" />

===''The Empire Strikes Back''===
According to Lucas, ''The Empire Strikes Back'' contains the most changes, although are mostly limited to compositing (e.g. during the [[Hoth]] battle), with only a few scenes being significantly altered.<ref name=":6" /> [[Phil Lord and Christopher Miller|Christopher Miller]], who later worked on ''[[Solo: A Star Wars Story]]'' (2018), claimed that he played a stormtrooper added to the film's Special Edition while an intern at Lucasfilm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sciretta |first=Peter |date=December 22, 2016 |title=46 Rogue One Easter Eggs: How Many Of These Did You Catch? |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/548259/sf-rogue-one-easter-eggs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174459/https://www.slashfilm.com/548259/sf-rogue-one-easter-eggs/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=[[/Film]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=588088865908469761 |user=chrizmillr |title=I interned at ILM 19 yrs ago & got to be a stormtrooper in 1 shot of the special edition of Empire. |first=Christopher |last=Miller |date=April 14, 2015 |access-date=April 17, 2024}}</ref>

====Hoth====
Close-up shots of the [[wampa]] that captures Luke on [[Hoth]] were inserted.<ref name=plus/>{{efn|According to ''[[WhatCulture]]'' and ''Wired'', the additional shots show a redesigned and more fully realized wampa—which may reflect the original intent of the filmmakers—but the addition unnecessarily altered the decision to leave the monster largely to the imagination.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leadbeater |first=Alex |date=2015-09-01 |title=10 Most Pointless Changes To The Star Wars Movies You Never Even Noticed: #6 |url=https://whatculture.com/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923023555/http://whatculture.com:80/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=6 |archive-date=September 23, 2016 |access-date=2021-11-26 |website=WhatCulture |language=en}}</ref><ref name=plus/>}}

====The Emperor's hologram====
For his appearance as a hologram in ''The Empire Strikes Back'', [[Palpatine|the Emperor]] was originally portrayed by masked actress [[Marjorie Eaton]] and voice actor [[Clive Revill]]. For the 2004 DVD edition and subsequent releases, this was replaced by new footage of [[Ian McDiarmid]], who plays the character in later films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: The Changes |url=http://www.dvdactive.com/editorial/articles/star-wars-the-changes-part-two |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729214213/http://www.dvdactive.com/editorial/articles/star-wars-the-changes-part-two |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |website=dvdactive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lucasfilm Defends DVD Changes |url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-film.html?2004-09/09/11.30.film |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012160923/http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-film.html?2004-09%2F09%2F11.30.film |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=February 18, 2007 |website=Sci-Fi Wire}}</ref>{{efn|Prequel actor [[Hayden Christensen]] [[Stand-in|stood in]] as Vader during the filming,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxJO5cjyBqE&t=1138s |title=J.W. Rinzler's Skywalker Ranch Stories |date=November 30, 2020 |language=en |minutes=19 |access-date=2023-09-01 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/NxJO5cjyBqE |archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |work=Rebel Force Radio}}{{cbignore}}</ref> which occurred during the production of ''Revenge of the Sith'' (2005).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kaminski |first=Michael |title=The Secret History of Star Wars |year=2008 |edition=3.0 |orig-year=2007}}</ref>}} The dialogue was changed in the new version, making Vader seem to have been unaware of Luke's paternity despite knowing his last name.<ref name="crush">{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Matt |date=May 4, 2020 |title=This Is The Worst Post-Release Change to Any 'Star Wars' Movie |url=https://screencrush.com/empire-strikes-back-emperor-scene-comparison/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004073707/https://screencrush.com/empire-strikes-back-emperor-scene-comparison/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-13 |website=[[ScreenCrush]] |language=en}}</ref>

''ScreenCrush'' argues that this change is the worst to any ''Star Wars'' film, owing to the altered dialogue.<ref name=crush/> ''Wired'' writes that it is unclear whether the new dialogue is meant to portray Vader and the Emperor "deliberately testing one another", and also that McDiarmid "looks more like he did 20 years before in the timeline than he does a year later in ''Return of the Jedi''{{-"}}.<ref name=plus/> Sources such as ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' and ''[[io9]]'' regard the actor replacement itself as logical,<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":15" /> and ''Screen Rant'' praises it as "a change that blends seamlessly with the original film, due in large part to the relative ease of swapping one holographic image for another".<ref name=":28">{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Sarah |date=October 24, 2015 |title=Star Wars Original Trilogy Changes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-special-edition-changes-original-trilogy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025140800/http://screenrant.com:80/star-wars-special-edition-changes-original-trilogy/ |archive-date=October 25, 2015 |access-date=2022-01-16 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref>

====Boba Fett====
Boba Fett's dialogue in the film was originally recorded by [[Jason Wingreen]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=January 2, 2016 |title=Jason Wingreen dead: All in the Family, Star Wars actor was 95 |url=http://ew.com/article/2016/01/02/jason-wingreen-obituary-star-wars-boba-fett-all-family/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813045315/https://ew.com/article/2016/01/02/jason-wingreen-obituary-star-wars-boba-fett-all-family/ |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2017 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Subsequently, ''[[Attack of the Clones]]'' revealed Boba to be a clone of [[Jango Fett]], played by [[Temuera Morrison]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fett, Jango |url=http://www.starwars.com:80/databank/character/jangofett/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216135621/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/jangofett/ |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=May 18, 2017 |website=StarWars.com |publisher=[[Lucasfilm]]}}</ref> To reflect this, Morrison re-recorded Wingreen's lines for the 2004 edition of the film.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hyde |first=Douglas |date=September 23, 2004 |title=Five major changes in the 'Star Wars' DVD |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/20/star.changes/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303082041/http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/20/star.changes/index.html |archive-date=March 3, 2017 |access-date=May 18, 2017 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>{{efn|''Wired'' criticizes the change, writing, "This might make sense if it wasn't for the fact that accents aren't genetic. Jango died 25 years earlier, it's highly unlikely Boba would still sound exactly like his father, even if they were genetically identical."<ref name=plus/> Fett was later reprised by Morrison for the post-''Return of the Jedi'' live-action streaming series ''[[The Mandalorian]]'' and ''[[The Book of Boba&nbsp;Fett]]''.<ref name=mojo/><ref name=davids/>}}

In the shot when the ''Millennium Falcon'' detaches from the [[Star Destroyer]], Boba Fett's ship, the ''[[Slave I]]'', was replaced with a CGI version following the ''Falcon'' more closely.<ref name=plus/> Both ''[[WhatCulture]]'' and ''Wired'' opine that the change makes it hard to believe that Han could not see Fett.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leadbeater |first=Alex |date=2015-09-01 |title=10 Most Pointless Changes To The Star Wars Movies You Never Even Noticed: #5 |url=https://whatculture.com/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926034832/http://whatculture.com:80/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=7 |archive-date=September 26, 2016 |access-date=2021-11-26 |website=WhatCulture |language=en}}</ref><ref name="plus" />

====Cloud City====
New establishing shots were added to [[Bespin|Cloud City]], which according to Lucas were added partially because director [[Irvin Kershner]] was dissatisfied with the limitations of the location's set.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Duncan |first=Paul |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1220858943 |title=The Star Wars Archives: Episodes I–III – 1999–2005 |publisher=Taschen |year=2020 |isbn=978-3-8365-6344-4 |location=Cologne |pages=27 |language=en |oclc=1220858943 |access-date=January 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813045314/https://www.worldcat.org/title/star-wars-archives-episodes-i-iii-1999-2005/oclc/1220858943 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The additions create some inconsistencies with later shots. Another shot has a railing added to it, which does not reflect properly.<ref name=plus/> New shots of Cloud City's citizens reacting to [[Lando Calrissian]]'s evacuation orders were also added.<ref name=plus/>{{efn|A ''Wired'' writer opines that "The frantic pace of our heroes trying to escape is now interrupted by shots of characters we've never seen and will never see again."<ref name=plus/>}}

In the 1997 edition, the scene of Luke dropping down the chute to escape Vader was modified to include an audible scream—created using the sound of the Emperor screaming as he falls down the shaft in ''Return of the Jedi''; this received criticism and was removed in later releases.<ref name="plus" />

==== Ending ====
Following the initial limited theatrical release, Lucas added three exterior shots to the denouement to clarify that Lando and [[Chewbacca]] are on the ''Falcon,'' not the [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel]] frigate that Luke, Leia, and the droids are on.<ref name=":0" />

In the 1997 edition, a line of Vader's dialogue was replaced and a shot of his shuttle landing in his Star Destroyer (using stock footage of the [[second Death Star]] from ''Return of the Jedi'' in which [[Moff Jerjerrod]] appears){{Citation needed|date=August 2023}} was inserted into the sequence in which Luke uses the Force to contact Leia.<ref name="plus" /><ref name=":21">{{Cite book |last=Edwards |first=Ted |url=https://archive.org/details/unauthorizedstar00edwa |title=The Unauthorized Star Wars Compendium: The Complete Guide to the Movies, Comic Books, Novels, and More |publisher=[[Little, Brown and Company]] |year=1999 |isbn=0316329290 |page=162 |url-access=registration}}</ref> ''Wired'' calls this "Yet another addition that answers a question no one had."<ref name="plus" />

===''Return of the Jedi''===
With the Blu-ray release, the [[Ewok]]s now blink. This detail was hoped for during the original production, but was abandoned due to practical limitations of the costumes.<ref name=":33" />{{Rp|location=1:03:00}}

====Jabba's palace====
In the Special Edition, an establishing shot of a [[bantha]] herd was inserted,<ref name=":21" /> and a CGI beak and extra tentacles were added to the [[sarlacc]].<ref name=plus/><ref name="WhathasChanged?">{{Cite web |date=January 15, 1997 |title=''Return of the Jedi'' Special Edition: What has Changed? |url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-vi/bts/article/f19970115/indexp2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407190949/http://www.starwars.com/episode-vi/bts/article/f19970115/indexp2.html |archive-date=2008-04-07 |access-date=July 10, 2006 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 1997 |title=Star Wars: Episode VI {{!}} Return of the Jedi Special Edition - What has Changed? |url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-vi/bts/article/f19970115/indexp2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407190949/http://www.starwars.com/episode-vi/bts/article/f19970115/indexp2.html |archive-date=2008-04-07 |access-date=2020-09-09 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref> Jabba's dialogue was given subtitles, although {{Nowrap|[[C-3PO]]}} translates most of his lines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leadbeater |first=Alex |date=2015-09-01 |title=10 Most Pointless Changes To The Star Wars Movies You Never Even Noticed: #3 |url=https://whatculture.com/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925133815/http://whatculture.com:80/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=9 |archive-date=September 25, 2016 |access-date=2021-11-26 |website=WhatCulture |language=en}}</ref> The 2011 edition extends the front door of Jabba's palace as seen from the outside to make it appear about three times wider.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – A Visual Guide to Changes, Fixes, and Tweaks in the Disney+ 4K Version |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-jedi-disneyplus-4k-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202100739/https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-jedi-disneyplus-4k-2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |access-date=February 4, 2020 |website=The Digital Bits |language=en-gb}}</ref> The Blu-ray also added a [[List of Star Wars species (A–E)#Dug|Dug]] to the inside of the palace, which was criticized as standing out from puppet aliens in the same scene.<ref name=":26" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Leadbeater |first=Alex |date=2015-09-01 |title=10 Most Pointless Changes To The Star Wars Movies You Never Even Noticed: #10 |url=https://whatculture.com/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521034112/http://whatculture.com:80/film/10-most-pointless-changes-to-the-star-wars-movies-you-never-even-noticed?page=2 |archive-date=May 21, 2016 |access-date=2021-11-26 |website=WhatCulture |language=en}}</ref>

{{anchor|Max Rebo Band}}
The scene in which Jabba feeds the dancer [[Oola (Star Wars)|Oola]] to his [[rancor]] opens with a performance by the [[Max Rebo Band]] and its lead singer, Sy Snootles. In the original theatrical release, the song is "Lapti Nek", sung in the fictional language [[Huttese]]. The Special Edition changed the performance to the new song "Jedi Rocks",<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Max Rebo Band: Behind the Scenes |url=http://starwars.com/databank/organization/maxreboband/?id=bts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215053115/http://starwars.com/databank/organization/maxreboband/?id=bts |archive-date=December 15, 2006 |access-date=July 19, 2017 |website=StarWars.com |publisher=[[Lucasfilm]]}}</ref> which mostly received negative criticism.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":11" /><ref name=Lambie/> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Owen Good describes the new vocals as difficult to listen to and having "the volume and [[Vocal fry register|vocal fry]] of a higher pitched [[Tina Turner]] but none of the soul".<ref name=":9" />{{efn|Owen Good writes that the new material in Jabba's palace is "an overproduced intrusion that takes twice as long to add nothing" and distracts from the scene's intention: to establish the trapdoor leading to the rancor and the Hutt's deadliness.<ref name=":9" /> A ''Wired'' writer argues that the additions crowded the scene with unsatisfactory CGI.<ref name=":11">{{Cite magazine |last=Raftery |first=Brian |date=December 21, 2015 |title=The 9 Best Songs Ever Played in a Star Wars Movie |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/12/star-wars-songs-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222024747/http://www.wired.com/2015/12/star-wars-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=July 19, 2017 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]}}</ref> ''Den of Geek'' notes that the change negatively altered the tone of the scene and only "replaced one flawed effect with another", writing that "What was once a low-key yet appealing background moment in the movie's first act [has] grown into ... an in-your-face audio-visual spectacle".<ref name="Lambie">{{Cite web |last=Lambie |first=Ryan |date=January 22, 2016 |title=Star Wars: the changing face of Sy Snootles & the Rebo band |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/star-wars/38603/star-wars-the-changing-face-of-sy-snootles-the-rebo-band |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730010056/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/star-wars/38603/star-wars-the-changing-face-of-sy-snootles-the-rebo-band |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |website=[[Den of Geek]]!}}</ref>}} The puppet used for Snootles was also replaced with CGI. According to Special Edition producer [[Rick McCallum]], this change was made because Lucas could not originally achieve the "large musical number" he envisioned because characters could not move in certain ways; Snootles could not open her mouth to [[lip sync]] correctly, and her eyes did not move. The Special Edition increased the size of the Max Rebo Band from three members to twelve.<ref name=":10" /> Additional footage was filmed of Boba Fett flirting with one of the dancers;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spry |first=Jeff |date=2014-11-17 |title=Image of the Day: Vintage helmet-less Boba Fett |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/image-of-the-day-vintage-helmet-less-boba-fett |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121215221/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/image-of-the-day-vintage-helmet-less-boba-fett |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=2020-12-15 |website=SyFy.com |language=en}}</ref> original Fett actor [[Jeremy Bulloch]] thought this was somewhat contrary to the character's nature.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 1998 |title=Confessions of a Bounty Hunter: An interview with Jeremy Bulloch |url=http://www.starstore.com/Magazine/Interviews/JeremyBulloch2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010716202714/http://www.starstore.com:80/Magazine/Interviews/JeremyBulloch2.htm |archive-date=July 16, 2001 |access-date=2021-12-26 |website=starstore.com}}</ref>

{{anchor|Expansion of Oola's death scene}}
In the theatrical release of the film, Oola's death is filmed from outside the rancor pit: she falls into the pit, and her scream is heard from off-screen. In the 1997 edition, extra shots were inserted depicting her in the pit, including shots where she looks up to the crowd, the pit door being raised, and a shot of her terror. The rancor and Oola as she screams remain off-screen.<ref name=":15" /> [[Femi Taylor]], who played Oola, impressed critics with her ability to reprise the role over a decade later without visible difference.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Cornish |first=James T. |date=April 4, 2011 |title=The 10 Worst Crimes Against the Original Star Wars Trilogy |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/star-wars/17281/the-10-worst-crimes-against-the-original-star-wars-trilogy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606212955/http://www.denofgeek.com:80/movies/star-wars/17281/the-10-worst-crimes-against-the-original-star-wars-trilogy |archive-date=June 6, 2012 |access-date=July 26, 2017 |website=[[Den of Geek]]!}}</ref> ''Wired'' notes that "they put a different eyeshadow color on her, so she's not exactly seamless."<ref name=plus/> James Whitbrook at ''io9'' praised the additions to the scene, writing that it teased the rancor well while still keeping the monster a surprise for Luke's later battle with it.<ref name=":15" /> Conversely, ''Den of Geek UK'' criticized the additions as unnecessary and felt that they made the audience familiar with the pit, weakening Luke's scene.<ref name=":16" />

In 2004, Lucas revealed that he had considered adding a shot of Fett escaping the sarlacc, but decided against it because it would have detracted from the scene's focus: Jabba's death.<ref>Lucas, George (2004). ''Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi'' audio commentary (DVD). 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Event occurs at 33:45.</ref> Fett's survival was eventually depicted in the [[Disney+]] live-action streaming series ''[[The Mandalorian]]'' (2019–present) and ''[[The Book of Boba&nbsp;Fett]]'' (2021–2022).<ref name="mojo">{{Cite web |last=Thorne |first=Will |date=December 4, 2020 |title='The Mandalorian': Has Boba Fett Got His Mojo Back? And More Burning Questions From 'The Tragedy' |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/mandalorian-boba-fett-grogu-baby-yoda-the-tragedy-1234846309/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204225815/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/mandalorian-boba-fett-grogu-baby-yoda-the-tragedy-1234846309/ |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref name="davids">{{Cite web |last=Davids |first=Brian |date=2022-01-06 |title='The Book of Boba Fett' Stars on Their Improbable Journey to the Center of the 'Star Wars' Galaxy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/book-of-boba-fett-temuera-morrison-ming-na-wen-1235071092/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106232229/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/book-of-boba-fett-temuera-morrison-ming-na-wen-1235071092/ |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=2022-01-15 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Climax on the second Death Star====
{{See also|Second Death Star}}
{{anchor|Addition of Darth Vader's "No!"}}
At the climax of the film, the Emperor tortures Luke with [[Force lightning]], prompting Vader to throw the Emperor down a chasm. In the original version of the scene, Vader has no dialogue.<ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |last=Popolo |first=Meredith |date=September 16, 2011 |title=Top 10 Worst Changes Made to Star Wars |url=https://www.pcmag.com/feature/287832/top-10-worst-changes-made-to-star-wars/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529151418/http://www.pcmag.com/feature/287832/top-10-worst-changes-made-to-star-wars |archive-date=May 29, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |magazine=[[PC Magazine]]}}</ref> Starting with the 2011 edition, Vader mutters "No" and then yells a drawn-out "No!", creating a parallel with his near-identical cry at the end of ''Revenge of the Sith''.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Robinette |first=Eric |date=2020-10-11 |title='Star Wars': Why Do People Hate Vader's Added Line in 'ROTJ' So Much? |url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/star-wars-why-do-people-hate-vaders-added-line-in-rotj-so-much.html/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014024642/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/star-wars-why-do-people-hate-vaders-added-line-in-rotj-so-much.html/ |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-13 |website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet |language=en-US}}</ref> This addition was described as being unnecessary at best, and at worst being clumsy, sounding terrible, and seeming to mock the scene in the prequel.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":6" /> A ''Polygon'' writer argues that the change displays a distrust in the audience's ability to interpret Vader's emotions and further that it made the emotional scene "laughable".<ref name=":9" />

{{anchor|Anakin's eyebrows}}
In the scene where Anakin Skywalker is unmasked, the 2004 edition digitally removed his eyebrows to reflect Anakin burning on [[Mustafar]] at the end of ''Revenge of the Sith''.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Saxton |first=Curtis |date=2005-04-12 |title=STAR WARS: Injuries of Darth Vader |url=https://www.theforce.net/swtc/injuries.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112042501/https://www.theforce.net/swtc/injuries.html |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-15 |website=[[TheForce.Net]]}}</ref>

====Victory celebration====
The film ends with a scene of the Rebel Alliance and a village of Ewoks on [[Endor (Star Wars)|Endor]] celebrating the death of the Emperor and victory over the Empire. The original theatrical release of the film features the song "[[Ewok Celebration]]", also known as "Yub Nub", playing over the celebration.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":11" /> The 1997 edition release of the film replaced "Ewok Celebration" with score composed by [[John Williams]] titled "Victory Celebration",<ref name=":6" /> and the scene was lengthened to include shots of celebration on the planets [[Coruscant]],<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Darryn |date=December 12, 2016 |title=The Star Wars Saga's Secret Weapon: A Visual Effects Nerd with a Big Story to Tell |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/12/star-wars-rogue-one-john-knoll-visual-effects |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215829/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/12/star-wars-rogue-one-john-knoll-visual-effects |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref> [[Bespin]], and Tatooine.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Clark |first=Mark |title=Star Wars FAQ: Everything Left to Know About the Trilogy That Changed the Movies |publisher=Applause Theatre & Cinema Books |year=2015 |isbn=978-1480360181 |location=Milwaukee, WI |oclc=907104091}}</ref> The 2004 edition further added a shot set on [[Naboo]], in which a [[Gungan]] is given a line of dialogue,<ref name=":6" /> and added the Senate building and Jedi Temple to Coruscant.<ref name="Hunt7">{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – A Visual Guide to Changes, Fixes, and Tweaks in the Disney+ 4K Version |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-jedi-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202100724/https://thedigitalbits.com/featured/articles/sw-jedi-disneyplus-4k-2019/page-7 |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=The Digital Bits |language=en-gb}}</ref> The concept for the interplanetary [[Montage (filmmaking)|montage]] was discussed during the film's {{nowrap|[[pre-production]]}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fry |first=Jason |url=https://archive.org/details/starwarsin100sce0000fryj_i5g2/page/205/ |title=Star Wars in 100 Scenes |publisher=DK Publishing |year=2014 |isbn=9781465420121 |location=London, United Kingdom |pages=205 |author-link=Jason Fry}}</ref>

====Anakin's Force spirit====
Near the end of the film, Vader kills the Emperor to save Luke's life, then dies of his injuries. He later appears to Luke as the [[Force spirit]] of Anakin, alongside [[Yoda]] and Obi-Wan. In the original version, Sebastian Shaw plays the spirit, as well as the unmasked Vader. Because [[Hayden Christensen]] played Anakin in the prequel films ''Attack of the Clones'' and ''Revenge of the Sith'', the 2004 DVD edition of ''Return of the Jedi'' features Christensen as the spirit, replacing Shaw. In a 2005 conversation with Christensen, Lucas explained the change in this way: "When you come back to the good side of the Force, it's your former persona that survives, not the Darth Vader persona."<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2005 |title=Unscripted With Hayden Christensen and George Lucas |url=https://www.moviefone.com/movie/star-wars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith/17722/video/qvNPYXmc/ |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Moviefone |at=Event occurs at 7:15 |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331083039/https://www.moviefone.com/movie/star-wars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith/17722/video/qvNPYXmc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The alteration was ranked as the worst change to the original trilogy by ''Den of Geek''.<ref name=":16" /> ''The Digital Bits'' notes that the 2019 restoration made it more obvious where Anakin's head was replaced.<ref name="Hunt7" />

===''The Phantom Menace''===
The DVD released in 2001 features a longer version of the [[podrace]] sequence,<ref name=DuPont/> as well as a brief scene on Coruscant focusing on Anakin and Jar Jar Binks.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Tyler |first=Adrienne |date=2020-06-20 |title=Star Wars: Every Phantom Menace Change George Lucas Made In 2001 |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-phantom-menace-george-lucas-changes-2001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621183604/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-phantom-menace-george-lucas-changes-2001/ |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |access-date=2020-06-23 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The 2011 Blu-ray incorporates a CGI Yoda.<ref name=":31" /> For the 2012 3D {{Nowrap|re-release}}, the end of Anakin's magnetic wand was redesigned in one shot of the podrace.<ref name=":30" />

==== Podrace sequence ====
The extended podrace includes a longer introduction of the racers and the second lap of the race,<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2008 |title=Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Comparison: Theatrical Cut - DVD Edition) |url=https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=563 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210053535/https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=563 |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=Movie-Censorship.com}}</ref> which ''Screen Rant'' says does not contribute to the story, and potentially negatively affects the film's pacing. Additionally, shots including [[Watto]] cheering for Anakin's rival [[Sebulba]] were removed for home media releases.<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":32" />

====CGI Yoda====

In the original version of ''The Phantom Menace'', a puppet was used to portray Yoda except in two [[wide shot]]s which required CGI.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace ''audio commentary'' |last=Squires |first=Scott |type=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox Home Entertainment |year=2001 |author-link=Scott Squires |time=2:06:30–2:07:30 |last2=Coleman |first2=Rob |author2-link=Rob Coleman}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones ''audio commentary'' |last=Coleman |first=Rob |type=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox Home Entertainment |year=2002 |time=4:45}}</ref> This was changed for the 2011 release, with the puppet being replaced with a CGI model, similar to those used for the film's sequels, ''Attack of the Clones'' and ''Revenge of the Sith''.<ref name=":31">{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=December 19, 2017 |title=How SPOILER! Wound Up In 'The Last Jedi' |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/how-old-friend-in-the-last-jedi-returned |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102132311/https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/how-old-friend-in-the-last-jedi-returned |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |access-date=January 1, 2018 |website=Buzzfeed}}</ref>

=== ''Attack of the Clones'' ===
A few special effects which were not ready for the initial wide release were completed for release in digital-projection theaters.{{efn|name=IIdigital}} The DVD features the digital version<ref name="EpIIDVD" /> with some extended lines of dialogue.<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":19" /> The 2011 edition features a small editing change to the Coruscant speeder chase, adds a voiceover to Anakin's vision of [[Shmi]],<ref name=":6" /> and changes the order of shots depicting [[Count Dooku]]'s escape.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (Comparison: DVD-Version - Blu-ray-Version) |url=https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=929191 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727194408/https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=929191 |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=Movie-Censorship.com}}</ref>

=== ''Revenge of the Sith'' ===
The theatrical release had a diagonal [[Wipe (transition)|wipe]] from Obi-Wan leaving Mustafar to Anakin using his hand to crawl from the lava. The DVD changed this to a direct cut, which was reverted on the Blu-ray.<ref name=iiidvd/> The latter release also has additional [[clone trooper]] dialogue<ref name=":6" /> as they land on [[Utapau (Star Wars)|Utapau]], and added moss to the treehouse on [[Kashyyyk]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2019 |title=STAR WARS CHANGES (4 of 4) -- The Prequels |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDftt6hqzg0&t=1529 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322042308/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDftt6hqzg0&t=1529 |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |access-date=May 27, 2020 |website=Film Spaced |via=YouTube |time=25}}</ref> 

The filmmakers had discussions of what further changes could be done to past films or in revisions of this film; Lucas was impressed enough with the Creature Shop's radio-controlled mask for the background character of Senator Meena Tills that he briefly considered replacing the footage containing [[Admiral Ackbar]]'s mask in ''Return of the Jedi'' with Meena's one due to always feeling that Ackbar's was compromised despite being done with the latest puppetry technology available back then,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tills, Meena |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/palpatine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427064835/http://starwars.com/databank/character/meenatills/index.html |archive-date=April 27, 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2023 |website=Star Wars Databank}}</ref> while McCallum expressed his hopes in the film's audio commentary that, as part of a hypothetical six-episode DVD box set, Lucas would restore a deleted scene of Yoda arriving at [[Dagobah]] to begin his self-imposed exile, which was cut as Lucas felt the film would have had "too many endings".<ref>''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]'' DVD commentary featuring [[George Lucas]], [[Rick McCallum]], [[Rob Coleman]], [[John Knoll]] and [[Roger Guyett]], [2005]</ref>

== Reception ==
{{see also|#Notes|Han shot first}}
Various media outlets have cited certain changes to the original trilogy as being particularly egregious. These include: in ''A&nbsp;New Hope'', making [[Han shot first|Greedo shoot first]] (which has been especially criticized for playing tricks with viewers' minds and memories) and the restored Jabba scene;<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":17" /><ref name="plus" /> in ''The Empire Strikes Back'', changes to the Emperor's dialogue (and appearance);<ref name=":16" /><ref name="plus" /> in ''Return of the Jedi'', the new song in Jabba's palace, Vader yelling "No!" at the climax, and Christensen replacing Shaw as Anakin's spirit.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":17" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name="plus" />

In 2015, [[Lance Ulanoff]] of ''Mashable'' viewed the original theatrical print of ''Star Wars'' submitted to the Library of Congress, and noted merit to Lucas's belief that technology did not allow him to achieve his vision, citing a visible marquee around Leia's ship "so jarring that it temporarily pulls me out of the film" because the original print is "lack[ing] the seamless quality [he has] come to expect from sci-fi and fantasy". Despite this, Ulanoff wrote that he "hate[s] each and every one" of the later added CGI effects.<ref name=":5" /> In 2017, a writer argued that the Special Edition changes to the original ''Star Wars'' "stripped the film of every aspect that it had won its [[Academy Awards]] for", including those for [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Best Visual Effects]], [[Academy Award for Best Production Design|Best Production Design]], and [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Score]].<ref name=":8" />

A smaller number of changes have been cited as improving the films or not harming them.<ref name=":15" /> A 2015 ''Polygon'' article claimed there was "solid logic" behind a number of the minor changes, such as adding windows to Cloud City or sparks to Jango Fett's jetpack, saying these "angered, to a close approximation, nobody".<ref name=":9" /> ''A New Hope''<nowiki/>'s restored Biggs scene has garnered mostly favorable feedback.<ref name=":25" /><ref name=":15" /><ref name=":24" /><ref name="plus" /> In 2021, ''Screen Rant'' praised special effects additions to ''A New Hope'', including the CGI Dewback replacement, the Mos Eisley establishing shots, and the explosions of Alderaan and the Death Star.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=David |date=2021-10-15 |title=How Star Wars: A New Hope's Special Edition Actually Improved The Movie |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-new-hope-special-edition-george-lucas-better/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016104803/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-new-hope-special-edition-george-lucas-better/ |archive-date=October 16, 2021 |access-date=2021-10-16 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A consistent minority viewpoint has held that the net total of changes improves the films more than it detracts from them.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/star-wars-re-releases-good.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 24, 2024 |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722211111/https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/star-wars-re-releases-good.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Legacy ==
{{See also|Harmy's Despecialized Edition|The Force is with Cristal Beer|label 1=''Harmy's Despecialized Edition''|label 2=''The Force is with Cristal Beer''}}

The master [[Negative (photography)|negatives]] of the original trilogy were reportedly dismantled in order to create the Special Editions, although high-quality duplicates known as [[separation masters]] exist (also used as a source for the 1997 versions).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=2010-05-25 |title=Untouched is impossible: the story of Star Wars in film |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2010/05/star-wars/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US |archive-date=November 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120222534/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2010/05/star-wars/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1997, Lucas stated, "There will only be one [version of each film]&nbsp;... The [original] will be some sort of interesting artifact&nbsp;... [that] will disappear.&nbsp;... A hundred years from now, the only version of the movie that anyone will remember will be the DVD version."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magid |first=Ron |date=February 1997 |title=An Expanded Universe |url=http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/sped/uni/pg4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411192035/http://www.theasc.com/magazine/starwars/articles/sped/uni/pg4.htm |archive-date=April 11, 2008 |access-date=August 24, 2009 |publisher=[[American Society of Cinematographers]] |page=4}}</ref> Asked why he was opposed to releasing the original versions of the films alongside the modified versions, Lucas stated in 2004: "To me, [the original movie] doesn't really exist anymore.&nbsp;... I'm sorry you saw half a completed film and fell in love with it. But I want it to be the way I want it to be."<ref>{{Cite interview |last=Lucas |first=George |title=Lucas talks as 'Star Wars' trilogy returns |url=http://www.today.com/id/6011380/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/lucas-talks-star-wars-trilogy-returns/ |access-date=December 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119203533/http://www.today.com/id/6011380/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/lucas-talks-star-wars-trilogy-returns/ |archive-date=January 19, 2016 |url-status=live |place=San Rafael, California |date=September 15, 2004}}</ref> Lucas has said the Special Edition of a ''A New Hope'' brought the film from representing 60% of his vision to 80%.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lussier |first=Germain |date=2022-01-31 |title=A Reminder Why George Lucas Loved the Star Wars Special Editions |url=https://gizmodo.com/a-reminder-why-george-lucas-loved-the-star-wars-special-1848453843 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201023021/https://gizmodo.com/a-reminder-why-george-lucas-loved-the-star-wars-special-1848453843 |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |access-date=2022-01-31 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-us}}</ref>

[[Gary Kurtz]], producer of ''A New Hope'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back'', spoke against changing films retroactively in a 2002 interview. He stated, "I'm just not a great believer in messing with what is done. It may not be perfect, and as I said a long time ago, there's nothing that is." Addressing the Special Editions, he said,<blockquote>... fixing a few matte lines and adding a couple of spaceships into shots is fine. I don't think anybody would notice that. But actually adding scenes that don't make any difference&nbsp;... and all of those digitally enhanced shots of robots floating around and creatures walking through the frame&nbsp;... call attention to themselves. Are much worse, actually, I think. Primarily because CGI work&nbsp;... done by ILM, which is the best there is&nbsp;... does not fit in with the mechanical style of the original film.<ref name="IGN">{{Cite news |last=P. |first=Ken |date=2002-11-11 |title=An Interview with Gary Kurtz |url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/376/376873p5.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424011932/http://movies.ign.com/articles/376/376873p5.html |archive-date=2012-04-24 |access-date=2023-08-05 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref></blockquote>Lucas's name is sometimes used as a shorthand verb for the act of retroactively altering a film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Spencer |date=June 29, 2020 |title=Guardians of the Galaxy: James Gunn Reveals Cut Line He Wants to "George Lucas" Back Into Film |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/guardians-of-the-galaxy-james-gunn-reveals-cut-line-he-wants-to-george-lucas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730044254/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/guardians-of-the-galaxy-james-gunn-reveals-cut-line-he-wants-to-george-lucas/ |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zogbi |first=Emily |date=July 27, 2022 |title=Stranger Things Writers Respond to Theories Claiming They Edited Previous Seasons |url=https://www.cbr.com/stranger-things-writers-respond-theories-edited-previous-seasons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730044251/https://www.cbr.com/stranger-things-writers-respond-theories-edited-previous-seasons/ |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref> In early 2002, filmmaker (and friend of Lucas) [[Steven Spielberg]] {{Nowrap|re-released}} ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]'' in a digitally altered 20th-anniversary Special Edition, which notably replaced guns carried by federal agents with [[walkie-talkie]]s.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Travers |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Travers |date=March 14, 2002 |title=E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/5948461/review/5948462/et_the_extraterrestrial |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114114318/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/5948461/review/5948462/et_the_extraterrestrial |archive-date=January 14, 2009 |access-date=2022-02-10 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hewitt |first=Chris |title=E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: 20th Anniversary Special Edition |url=https://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=7808 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619180157/http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=7808 |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |access-date=2022-02-10 |work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{efn|Spielberg later stated that he would not digitally alter his films in the future and insisted that viewers watch the original version of ''E.T.''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Quint (aka Eric Vespe) |date=June 3, 2011 |title=Spielberg Speaks! Jaws Blu-Ray in the Works with No 'Digital Corrections! |url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/49897 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024131547/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/49897 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=February 14, 2022 |work=[[Ain't It Cool News]] |quote=There's going to be no more digital enhancements or digital additions to anything based on any film I direct.&nbsp;... When people ask me which ''E.T.'' they should look at, I always tell them to look at the original 1982 ''E.T.'' |df=mdy-all}}</ref>}} This prompted the creators of ''[[South Park]]'' to parody both Spielberg and Lucas's changes to their films in [[Free Hat|an&nbsp;episode]] of their show.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Free Hat |episode-link=Free Hat |series=South Park |series-link=South Park |network=[[Comedy Central]] |date=July 10, 2002 |season=6 |number=9 |time=1:00 |quote=In this version [of ''Empire''], the word '[[Wookiee]]' has been changed to 'hair-challenged animal' and the entire cast has been digitally replaced by Ewoks.}}</ref> In 2007, ''[[Peter's Two Dads|Family Guy]]''  lampooned Christensen's appearance as a spirit, and in 2017 comedian [[Brian Posehn]] stated that the original trilogy "already was special".<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Peter's Two Dads |episode-link=Peter's Two Dads |series=Family Guy |series-link=Family Guy |network=[[Fox Broadcasting Company]] |date=February 11, 2007 |season=5 |number=10 |time=17:30 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Posehn 25x2 |date=2017 |last=Posehn |first=Brian |publisher=Comedy Dynamics |time=20:30 |quote=}}</ref> Lucas's changes have become a primary point of reference for retroactive changes to other films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Nick |date=2018-03-19 |title=Steven Spielberg Regrets Replacing Guns With Walkie-Talkies In 'E.T.' |url=https://www.goliath.com/movies/steven-spielberg-regrets-replacing-guns-with-walkie-talkies-in-e-t/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815021241/https://www.goliath.com/movies/steven-spielberg-regrets-replacing-guns-with-walkie-talkies-in-e-t/ |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |access-date=2021-05-12 |website=Goliath}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fralin II |first=Phillip |date=2021-07-18 |title=Star Wars & 9 Other Movies That Don't Have A Clear-Cut "Definitive" Version |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-other-movies-without-definitive-version/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210081911/https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-other-movies-without-definitive-version/ |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=2022-02-10 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref> By contrast, some media outlets positively reviewed the 2020 4K release of [[Peter Jackson]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' trilogy]], which was remastered and adjusted for color consistency with [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' trilogy]], but not otherwise significantly altered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bill |date=2020-11-25 |title=Lord of the Rings, The: The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Review) |url=https://thedigitalbits.com/item/lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-2020-4k-uhd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512115351/https://thedigitalbits.com/item/lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-2020-4k-uhd |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |access-date=2021-05-12 |website=The Digital Bits}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Patches |first=Matt |date=2020-12-06 |title=Peter Jackson explains the changes he made for Lord of the Rings' 4K edition |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/6/22157337/lord-of-the-rings-4k-blu-ray-changes-peter-jackson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430061745/https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/6/22157337/lord-of-the-rings-4k-blu-ray-changes-peter-jackson |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |access-date=2021-05-12 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ponniah |first=Gabriel |date=2021-02-07 |title=Lord Of The Rings 4K vs HD: Which Is Better? |url=https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-4k-restoration-hd-comparison/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209202307/https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-4k-restoration-hd-comparison/ |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |access-date=2021-05-12 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref>

A number of errors remain in the latest version of the ''Star Wars'' films.<ref>Multiple sources:
*{{Cite web |last=Snell |first=Clarence |date=2023-10-31 |title=10 Star Wars CGI Mistakes That Fans Completely Missed |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-cgi-mistakes-missed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031204613/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-cgi-mistakes-missed/ |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Screen Rant |language=en }}
*{{Cite web |last=Pooley |first=Jack |date=2021-09-07 |title=20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones |url=https://whatculture.com/film/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-star-wars-attack-of-the-clones?page=6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909113434/https://whatculture.com/film/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-star-wars-attack-of-the-clones?page=6 |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |access-date=2021-09-09 |website=WhatCulture |language=en }}
*{{Cite web |last=Snellgrove |first=Chris |date=2024-02-02 |title=Star Wars' Biggest Plot Hole Hides In Plain Sight For Decades |url=https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/frozen-han-solo-shirt.html |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Giant Freakin Robot |language=en-US |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203081100/https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/frozen-han-solo-shirt.html |url-status=live }}
*{{Cite web |last=Wojnar |first=Zak |date=April 8, 2018 |title=The Last Jedi's Throne Room Continuity Error (Doesn't Matter) |url=https://screenrant.com/last-jedis-throne-room-continuity-error-doesnt-matter/ |access-date=2020-09-14 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013222/https://screenrant.com/last-jedis-throne-room-continuity-error-doesnt-matter/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For instance, Sebulba is unrendered in a brief shot in ''The Phantom Menace'', which special-effects supervisor [[John Knoll]] called attention to in the film's 2001 DVD commentary. Craig Elvy of ''Screen Rant'' said, "This highlights how George Lucas' motivations for tweaking the ''Star Wars'' movies are more about improving and updating than removing imperfections".<ref name="fantome">{{Cite web |last=Elvy |first=Craig |date=2020-06-28 |title=Star Wars: Phantom Menace's CGI Mistake That George Lucas Never Fixed |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-phantom-menace-sebulba-pod-race-mistake/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629091743/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-phantom-menace-sebulba-pod-race-mistake/ |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |access-date=2020-06-29 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2019, [[Kathleen Kennedy (producer)|Kathleen Kennedy]], president of Lucasfilm since the 2012 acquisition of the company by Disney, stated that she would not make alterations to Lucas's original trilogy, because "those will always remain his."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=April 25, 2017 |title=Kathleen Kennedy Won't "Touch" George Lucas Cuts of 'Star Wars' |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/30745-star-wars-original-cut-unaltered-george-lucas-special-edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826053501/https://www.inverse.com/article/30745-star-wars-original-cut-unaltered-george-lucas-special-edition |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |access-date=August 25, 2019 |website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]}}</ref> While promoting ''[[The Rise of Skywalker]]'', director [[J. J. Abrams]] expressed his hopes that the original versions of the trilogy would be officially released, but said that the powers that be had told him "that that's not necessarily possible".<ref name="this" />{{efn|Abrams further said that when making ''The Force Awakens'', he had gotten into a disagreement about the dialogue [[#The Emperor's hologram|between Vader and the Emperor]] in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' before realizing that different versions of the film were being referred to; he cited the [[Despecialized Edition]]s of the films, while the other party had recalled the reworded dialogue.<ref name="this">{{Cite tweet |number=1204960815821946880 |user=nowthisnews |title=J.J. Abrams is calling for the original versions of 'Star Wars' to be released |author=Now This |date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref>}} On whether he thought the sequel trilogy should be altered at some point, Abrams stated, "I&nbsp;respect anyone who feels like they want to go back and adjust and add; I get that. But I also feel like&nbsp;... [when] you're done with a thing,&nbsp;... that's what it is."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisenberg |first=Eric |date=December 15, 2019 |title=Don't Expect Any Special Editions Of The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2486794/dont-expect-any-special-editions-of-the-star-wars-sequel-trilogy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102055752/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2486794/dont-expect-any-special-editions-of-the-star-wars-sequel-trilogy |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2020 |website=[[CinemaBlend]]}}</ref> Contrarily, some media outlets have called for the climax of ''The Rise of Skywalker'' to be altered to show the Force ghosts of the Jedi who aid [[Rey (Star Wars)|Rey]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=2020-07-07 |title='Rise of Skywalker' edit reveals what J.J. Abrams got wrong about Star Wars |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/rise-of-skywalker-fan-edit-force-ghosts-star-wars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810002341/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/rise-of-skywalker-fan-edit-force-ghosts-star-wars |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-14 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Kyle |date=2020-07-09 |title=Fan-Edited 'Rise of Skywalker' Ending Is the Thing of Dreams |url=https://theculturednerd.org/2020/07/fan-edited-rise-of-skywalker-ending-is-the-things-of-dreams/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815053138/https://theculturednerd.org/2020/07/fan-edited-rise-of-skywalker-ending-is-the-things-of-dreams/ |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-14 |website=The Cultured Nerd |language=en}}</ref> Fan pleas for a director's cut of the film trended on social media following the release of ''[[Zack Snyder's Justice League]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindbergh |first=Ben |date=2021-03-26 |title=What the Snyder Cut Means for the Future of Fandom |url=https://www.theringer.com/movies/2021/3/26/22351861/zack-snyder-justice-league-ayer-cut-jj-cut-fan-campaign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326131140/https://www.theringer.com/movies/2021/3/26/22351861/zack-snyder-justice-league-ayer-cut-jj-cut-fan-campaign |archive-date=March 26, 2021 |access-date=2021-05-10 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref>{{efn|Shortly after the release of ''The Rise of Skywalker'', a rumor was circulated concerning an alleged "Abrams cut" of the film, which was quickly debunked.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=2020-01-03 |title='Rise of Skywalker' JJ Abrams cut is "bullshit," trusted leaker says |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/62086-rise-of-skywalker-jj-abrams-cut-reddit-leaks-spoilers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116054557/https://www.inverse.com/article/62086-rise-of-skywalker-jj-abrams-cut-reddit-leaks-spoilers |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |access-date=2021-08-05 |website=Inverse}}</ref> A subsequent unsubstantiated rumor claimed that George Lucas would release his own version.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scribner |first=Herb |date=2020-07-28 |title=The latest 'Star Wars' rumor suggests there's a George Lucas cut for 'Rise of Skywalker' |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2020/7/28/21340304/the-latest-star-wars-rumor-suggests-theres-a-george-lucas-cut-for-rise-of-skywalker |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805193545/https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2020/7/28/21340304/the-latest-star-wars-rumor-suggests-theres-a-george-lucas-cut-for-rise-of-skywalker |archive-date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=2021-08-05 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>}}

In 2023, when asked if he had the clout to influence Lucasfilm to release the original cuts of the original trilogy, ''The Mandalorian'' creator [[Jon Favreau]] answered, "Do you think anybody but&nbsp;... the people who grew up with it&nbsp;... would care?" He went on to explain his view that "younger people have a whole different perception of what ''Star Wars'' is."<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2023 |title=Can JON FAVREAU get the STAR WARS Theatrical Cuts re-released? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffbgwHqbdJ0 |publisher=Moovy TV |via=YouTube |access-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331042507/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffbgwHqbdJ0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

When asked about the possibility of releasing the original versions in 2024, Lucas reiterated, "I'm a firm believer that the director or the writer or the filmmaker should have a right to have his movie be the way he wants it."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ebiri |first=Bilge |date=2024-05-24 |title=George Lucas Is Being Cranky at Cannes |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/george-lucas-is-being-cranky-at-cannes.html |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=Vulture |language=en |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525210000/https://www.vulture.com/article/george-lucas-is-being-cranky-at-cannes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 2025, the [[British Film Institute]] announced that it would screen the original film in its unaltered form at a film festival that June.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=2025-04-15 |title=‘Star Wars’ Version That George Lucas Banned to Screen for First Time in 47 Years |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-original-cut-edit-screening-george-lucas-1236191847/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Cite web |last=Kaminski |first=Michael |date=2009 |title=Saving Star Wars: The Special Edition Restoration Process and its Changing Physicality |url=http://fd.noneinc.com/secrethistoryofstarwarscom/secrethistoryofstarwars.com/savingstarwars.html |website=The Secret History of Star Wars}}
* {{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Leon |date=October 8, 2019 |title=Star Wars: 5 Special Edition Changes That Should Be Reversed (& 5 We'd Keep) |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-george-lucas-best-worst-special-edition-changes/ |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}
* {{Wookieepedia|List of changes in Star Wars re-releases}}
* [https://theasc.com/magazine/starwars/ Online archive of ''Star Wars'' coverage] at ''[[American Cinematographer]]'', including interviews regarding the 1997 edition

{{Star Wars}}

[[Category:Star Wars lists|Changes]]
[[Category:Alternative versions of films|Star Wars]]