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Lucasfilm changes original Star Wars trilogy again

The upcoming Blu-ray release of the original Star Wars trilogy has even more changes on top of the Special Edition. And some fans aren't happy.

Christopher MacManus
Crave contributor Christopher MacManus regularly spends his time exploring the latest in science, gaming, and geek culture -- aiming to provide a fun and informative look at some of the most marvelous subjects from around the world.
Christopher MacManus
2 min read
I've got a bad feeling about this. Lucasfilm

Obi-Wan Kenobi may have been jolted out of his bed this morning by the millions of voices complaining about rumored changes to the original trilogy in the Star Wars Blu-ray collection, which will be available on September 16.

Entertainment blogger Devin Faraci was first to confirm with several sources that there will be several adjustments to the classic sci-fi movies: one for the original "Star Wars" (Episode IV), and two in "Return of the Jedi" (Episode VI). The New York Times has confirmed with Lucasfilm that changes are happening. To add even more fuel to the fire, there is video.

The most significant alteration is a change to RotJ, in which Darth Vader now yells "Nooo! Nooo!" as he lifts up the Emperor, who is electrocuting Luke Skywalker aboard the Death Star II. The response online to this change has been severely negative. Even the Amazon listing for the Star Wars Blu-ray collection has dozens of negative reviews based on this one update alone.

One Star Wars fan puts it quite bluntly. "With one of these new changes (the 'Noooooo' added to the climax of "Return of the Jedi") he has destroyed the dramatic impact of one of the most iconic scenes in American film history," writes Cody Clarke on Amazon. "This is embarrassing. What a waste of a release. I won't even get into the other changes, because that change is enough for a 1-star review."

There is nothing but pages of 1-star reviews for the first several pages of the Amazon listing.

Another rumored difference is Obi-Wan Kenobi's first introduction in the original "Star Wars" movie. Obi first appears as a hooded figure walking oddly over a hill, using the force to simulate a Krayt Dragon cry to scare Tusken Raiders away from Luke Skywalker. In the revised version, the cry is different, carrying a longer, shriller tone.

Lastly, there is also word that Ewoks now blink in RotJ. They still creep me out.

What do you think of the changes, if they are indeed true?