Gary Kurtz on the Star Wars Special Edition

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มี.ค. 2016
  • Gary Kurtz, the producer of Star Wars (1977) and The Empire strikes back (1980), gives some insight on what he thinks about the Special Edition of the Original Star Wars Trilogy.
    I do not own this material and i'm not going to make any money out of it. This is purely for entertainment purposes.
  • ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน

ความคิดเห็น • 336

  • @moodydude6790
    @moodydude6790 5 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    "It's ok if your films don't have everything you wanted in them." I will not forget your words dude. RIP

  • @streglof
    @streglof 6 ปีที่แล้ว +147

    Lots of directors make special "director's cuts" of their movies. That's not the problem, because they also still keep the theatrical releases of their movies available. The problem is not that George Lucas made a special edition of the Star Wars movies, the problem is that he prevents the theatrical releases of those movies from being released.

    • @Caitykorn
      @Caitykorn 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      streglof and the thing being that Lucas didn’t even direct empire or Jedi

    • @nicholasdickens2801
      @nicholasdickens2801 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      streglof Sadly George likes to airbrush things out in reality and by getting rid of the original cuts and sound mixes of the films so you only get to buy now the ‘version’ he wants. I prefer the original cut of the films. They work better. Star Wars was a really good film and didn’t need this sort of thing.

    • @EddieMachetti
      @EddieMachetti 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I’m glad I own the originals.

    • @billnumber3324
      @billnumber3324 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Bingo. You can update as much as you want, but the number one mistake is trying to replace the original version.

    • @yoboyyoyoboy
      @yoboyyoyoboy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      true

  • @MatsThyWit
    @MatsThyWit 7 ปีที่แล้ว +250

    Gary Kurtz is the true unsung hero of the original trilogy.

    • @fightingirish5755
      @fightingirish5755 7 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Well no sadly for you the guy is not unsung. People are well aware of what he brought to the saga. The problem comes when you overestimate how integral he was to its success at the complete expense of Lucas.

    • @kitgusto2390
      @kitgusto2390 7 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      For sure. Lucas takes way too much credit for "his movies".

    • @RetrocadePodcast
      @RetrocadePodcast 6 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      I think the true unsung hero of Star Wars is Marcia Lucas. People know what Kurtz did for the franchise at this point, and that became even more evident in the prequels with that fool yes man Rick McCallum.

    • @feraflauna3238
      @feraflauna3238 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      +Wyatt S-He always was. He was far from the only one but Kurtz was the one that truly brought a lot of the warmth, humanity, and nuance to the series. He truly cared and loved what he did, the man always had a clear passion for movies, and he always strove to do better, to keep pushing himself, to challenge himself. You don't see that very much in filmmaking anymore. . .For George at first, he was a close friend, a mentor. Someone who always had Lucas' back but was more than able and willing to tell George NO and steer George away from his worse tendencies. Guide him to make the best story they could. We definitely need far more Gary Kurtzes in movies today. And it is devastating that he passed away just last year. . .But he be missed. And hopefully, someday by even more people, he will never be forgotten. . .

    • @drifter402
      @drifter402 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      He's one of many unsung heroes.

  • @indianajones4321
    @indianajones4321 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Rest In Peace Gary Kurtz, amazing film producer and Marine combat cameraman in Vietnam

  • @funnypicturescomics
    @funnypicturescomics 6 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    That's why he was an excellent producer...he'll straight-up tell you "Uh..no..that scene is pointless." Every filmmaker needs a producer like that.

    • @purefoldnz3070
      @purefoldnz3070 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      after he left Lucas surrounded himself by yes men and sycophants'

    • @arandompasserby7940
      @arandompasserby7940 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's kind of sad. In spite of all the memes and such, I do respect Lucas as someone who's creative and wants to tell fun stories that people will enjoy. Unfortunately, his problem is that he really needs someone next to him to pick out the good ideas from the bad ones. (i.e. Marcia Lucas for the original Star Wars or Steven Spielberg for Indiana Jones).
      Unfortunately, around the time of the prequels, like Purefoldnz said above, he just surrounded himself with yes men and sycophants, ultimately leading to the infamous early screening of Phantom Menace: "I think I went too far in a couple of places."

    • @tonyfendex2558
      @tonyfendex2558 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@purefoldnz3070 What do you think that Lucas had a no-man when making A New Hope? He was the boos, the CREATOR and the director( I suggest you see the documentary "Empire of Dreams". It's amazing) Just saying. BTW: I prefer the Special Edition over the 1977 release, (IMPROVED EFFECTS And SOUND!!) Well, the Han Solo/Greedo scene should've been untouched.

    • @purefoldnz3070
      @purefoldnz3070 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@tonyfendex2558 I'm talking about the prequels.

  • @luchohuaquique6137
    @luchohuaquique6137 5 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    R.I.P. An absolute gentleman. Thanks for the magic.

  • @captlazer5509
    @captlazer5509 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Without Gary Kurtz there is no American Graffiti and hence no Star Wars. A hands on producer for both. He had excellent instincts and knew what worked and what didn't he said so.

    • @sam9671
      @sam9671 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      he was a creative producer vs an executive producer if that helps explain things.

  • @gknipe
    @gknipe 6 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    As Dr. Ian Malcolm said in Jurassic Park: "your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should."

  • @lucasoheyze4597
    @lucasoheyze4597 6 ปีที่แล้ว +113

    A rare case of a producer having more artistic integrity than the director 😊

    • @fridaynightnicktoons6885
      @fridaynightnicktoons6885 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Lucas O'heyze bullshit

    • @demonicaxeman7264
      @demonicaxeman7264 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Horseshit

    • @feraflauna3238
      @feraflauna3238 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @Umar HasanIndeed he was. Kurtz was clearly a producer who cared about movies deeply and also cared about the integrity of the movie and the director. He was a friend, a mentor, a person to lean on whenever the director needed it, but someone who had enough integrity and spine to call the director out on their worse tendencies. He was able to gently guide their hand and steer them to make the story the absolute best it could be. And it's clear that just from these interviews, a lot of the warmth and humanity in Star Wars, came from this man and several other unsung heroes like him who were involved in Star Wars. And Star Wars would never have been the same, and arguably as great, without any of them.

    • @alphabetaxenonzzzcat
      @alphabetaxenonzzzcat 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It certainly looks that way.

    • @alcarbo8613
      @alcarbo8613 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You mean the Director, Creator, writer, and Executive Producer

  • @AndrewChapman
    @AndrewChapman 7 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    May the Force be with you, Mr. Kurtz.

  • @ciadella1971
    @ciadella1971 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Totally agree. The new effects stick out and don't belong.

  • @alphabetaxenonzzzcat
    @alphabetaxenonzzzcat 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    He seemed like a very straight talking and honest man. It’s a big shame that he and Lucas split. Apparently, they were going to make a black comedy film after Star Wars - I wonder what that would have been like? I have to say, that I think his influence on Lucas was probably a good one(much like Marcia Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan was) and probably helped tell when George had a bad idea. If they had stayed together as a directing and producing team, who knows how many good films we could have had from them? I think they did excellent work on American Graffiti(I think that is Lucas’ best film) and of course Star Wars, and Empire Strikes Back(allowing for George being only producer on that one).

    • @mem1701movies
      @mem1701movies 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree with you on everything except Lawrence Kasdan after THE FORCE AWAKENS trash.

    • @alphabetaxenonzzzcat
      @alphabetaxenonzzzcat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@mem1701movies Apparently, Lawrence Kasdan wanted Han to die in "Return of the Jedi", like Gary Kurtz did, and that was in the original script, until Lucas wanted it changed and much of the story. I wouldn't say that "The Force Awakens" was trash - but it certainly was quite lazily written, what with it being just a rehash - so that's surprising the Kasdan did that. Kasdan has some good work in the past(his script for "Raiders" and my personal favourite - "Body Heat"). It's strange, as he was critical of the prequels, so it's a little weird that "The Force Awakens" turned out the way it did.

    • @hunterolaughlin
      @hunterolaughlin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      As well as Raiders of the Lost Ark. Yes, I know it was directed by Steven Spielberg, but George Lucas is the man who created Indiana Jones and came up with the idea for the character back in the early 70s. He even worked with Philip Kaufman on the film during early development and it was Phil that’s responsible for the plot being about Jones trying to stop the Nazis from taking the Ark of the Covenant. Lucas even worked with Lawrence Kasdan on the developing the screenplay along with Spielberg. It was also collaborative work with those 3 each contributing their own ideas for the film. So Raiders is also Lucas’ film as much as Spielberg’s and it really disappoints me that people don’t give enough credit for the success of Raiders to George Lucas just like how the late David Prowse didn’t get enough credit for bringing Darth Vader into iconic cinematic villain status while James Earl Jones, the voice, is getting more recognition.

    • @alphabetaxenonzzzcat
      @alphabetaxenonzzzcat 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@hunterolaughlin Lucas doesn't actually get the credit he deserves for the Indiana Jones series. He did come up with the story concepts for all of the films so far. People always seem to think they're a Spielberg solo effort for some reason.

  • @karimlabbee1014
    @karimlabbee1014 6 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I really starting to believe that monsieur Kurtz is right about the original trilogy.

  • @BadDirtRider
    @BadDirtRider 7 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Love to ya GARY! Ya beautiful person you! The reason we love the OT is because of what it originally was!

  • @kd9262
    @kd9262 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I also detest the Jabba scene, it works much better when we are left to our imagination as to who Jabba is, and is much more effective when we finally see him in Jedi. The added scene also makes him seem so much less menacing

  • @mr.robokat7993
    @mr.robokat7993 7 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Such wisdom. As an artist-I totally get what he is saying. A lot of times you want to keep working at it, but man you got to learn to just let it go-let the work speak for itself.

  • @somebuddyX
    @somebuddyX 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The one that made me annoyed was right in the middle of the escape from Cloud City they cut to Vader getting off his shuttle and then back to the scene. The music in that scene was so good and the tension is high and it just really deflates everything and it's only there to shoehorn in a scene that is superfluous.

  • @mikedonovan8811
    @mikedonovan8811 6 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Noticing the changes brings one out of the film, including the windows in Cloud City. The dewbacks looked real in the original film version of Star Wars, not in the Special Edition. The tension of the "You don't need to see his identification" scene is broken by having a monster cross the street in the Special Edition. Jabba looks smaller and more mobile than in Return of the Jedi. Seeing him in the original takes away the impact of meeting him in Jedi. And the biggest change to the story its the new dialogue for the Emperor in The Empire Strikes Back. Watching the original scene after having seen Jedi makes it clear that both he and Vader have known of Luke's existence for quite some time, instead of him just springing the news on Vader unexpectedly.

    • @nickthepick8043
      @nickthepick8043 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      And don't forget Vader's famous "Bring my shuttle" line from Empire Strikes Back. George then changed it to "Alert my Star Destroyer to prepare for my arrival." The first one had more raw emotion in it, where Vader was clearly furious in that moment after Luke abandoned him. The secondary version just sounds formal, and just makes Vader sound less human. The cruel Irony is that while Vader is more Machine, he had bits of humanity left in him.

    • @kenkerrison8962
      @kenkerrison8962 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree with you %100, but I also think you should change your first name to Walter. I hope you get the reference.

    • @mikedonovan8811
      @mikedonovan8811 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kenkerrison8962 General Veers?

    • @alcarbo8613
      @alcarbo8613 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes the dewbacks that never moved looked so “real” stop deluding yourself an obviously fake effect was replaced with a more dynamic one, and the cloud city window are awesome ads so much, mystique and makes the hallways look more real and less claustrophobic, get over your hatred of CGI it was implied perfectly in the Special Editions

    • @mikedonovan8811
      @mikedonovan8811 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@alcarbo8613 Nope, it was the other way around.

  • @Chemical_Argentum
    @Chemical_Argentum 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    To me, THIS guy is the true grandfather of SW. He's the big key to why it became so successful.

    • @Replica_Films2000
      @Replica_Films2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      yep which is why he dident create the world the characters and the story all True creatives are just directors who only directed one film.

    • @stvalue3
      @stvalue3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Totally Agree

    • @jazzarmada2161
      @jazzarmada2161 ปีที่แล้ว

      There are countless people that contributed to it's magic and success. But there's no doubt that Kurtz, Martha Lucas and I'd say even Ralph Mcquarries concept art are standouts among them

  • @Bobby_Hall
    @Bobby_Hall 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Dude knows what he’s taking about and presents his views in a completely rational, diplomatic way. If arguments like these didn’t work on Lucas, nothing could.

  • @dornravlin
    @dornravlin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    i really like his honesty

  • @richh6001
    @richh6001 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I grew up with the Special Editions/updated versions of the Original Trilogy. I certainly enjoy many of the changes, things like Cloud City and the Wampa for example, but for Star Wars/Cinematic history the original versions of these films deserve to be made available. I agree with the idea of having a George Lucas "directors cut" alongside the original theatrical versions- that way George can have his story the way he wants it, and the original versions can still be preserved.

  • @twstf8905
    @twstf8905 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Omg lol I couldn't agree more! 👍
    George did WAY too much, "touching up," the original trilogy.
    If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?!

  • @sdjohnsononyoutube
    @sdjohnsononyoutube 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY AGREE CONCERNING THE JABBA SCENE, GARY. And may I add, that as a child, seeing the trilogy as a whole, my 8-year old brain appreciated that this talk of a ruthless gangster led up to a final appearance in ROTJ. It was a great payoff. They even mentioned the bounty on Solo's head in TESB. So like Gary, I did not like & see it as a major disappointment when Jabba was deposited into ANH. It took away the reward of seeing him in ROTJ. 😢

    • @rickleemusic1
      @rickleemusic1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      plus the fact that Solo repeats lines he already said to Greedo - whom he shot dead before Greedo could even fire his blaster.

    • @hunterolaughlin
      @hunterolaughlin 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@rickleemusic1That’s George’s fault right there. He’s not very good at writing dialogue, so I don’t blame Harrison Ford repeating lines he already said to Greedo since that’s how George wrote the scene and he didn’t realize how redundant that was.

  • @zecraw
    @zecraw 7 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Hated the Jabba the Hutt scene in A New Hope. Not only was it unnecessary and looked awful, it also ruins the big reveal of Jabba in Return of the Jedi. For two movies we've been hearing about what a vile guy Jabba the Hutt is without an inkling of what he looks like. Then we get to the third movie and feast our eyes upon this massive slug monster in a giant fortress full of slaves and lackeys. The buildup and payoff is a better intro to Jabba then that needless cameo in the first movie.

    • @AndrewChapman
      @AndrewChapman 7 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Yes and not only that, but the Jabba the Hutt scene in A New Hope also ruins the unveiling of the Millennium Falcon just moments after the scene.

    • @EddieMachetti
      @EddieMachetti 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Its so awful and obviously a deleted scene for a reason. Why they felt they had to add that is beyond me. I don’t care if the rerelease had to be noticeably different, it was still a bad move and indeed ruins the suspense leading up to ROTJ. And it’s stupid CGI which I can’t stand.

    • @feraflauna3238
      @feraflauna3238 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@AndrewChapman All this, yes. Perfectly said. However, I was always far more incensed about the "Greedo shoots first" thing and Kurtz hit the nail on the head over why it utterly ruins things. In the original, clearly, Greedo has got Han pinned and is the one always in control of the situation. Han is afraid for his life, and he knows that if he can't take out Greedo, Greedo is going to kill him then and there. So Han does the only logical thing in the situation and takes out the man who's trying to kill him. It doesn't make Han a bad person, far from, but it still confirms that Han values his own hide above all else. So over the course of the movie, when he starts to genuinely care about others, it's far more satisfying. So the whole "Greedo shoots first thing" just utterly craps on all that, cheapens Han in a big way, and almost voids Han's story entirely. . .

    • @williamshaw9047
      @williamshaw9047 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Plus Jabba comes across like a total wuss, not a gangster. He whines about Han dumping the spice and about "frying poor Greedo" and Han talks back to him like he's a nobody. Plus they had to include that dumb part where Han steps on Jabba's tail.

    • @Halbi1987
      @Halbi1987 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well for me Jabba was equal to Vader and the Emperor as a Star Wars villain.
      I think not showing him created that mystery. When I watched Star Wars for the first time I cared more about Jabba than about Vader.
      Both characters had their faces hidden until the 3rd movie.
      But people who only know the special edition view Jabba as a secondary villain.
      Showing his face in the first movie ruined the mystery and made him smaller as a character.

  • @ULYSSES-31
    @ULYSSES-31 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    George Lucas lost a good baromoter when Gary Kurtz left.

  • @jujufactory
    @jujufactory 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I fully agree.

  • @Digginjim
    @Digginjim 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Gary is spot on. I hate the changes.

  • @paladinheadquarters7776
    @paladinheadquarters7776 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I agree with him.

  • @kensmith7048
    @kensmith7048 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I completely agree! Based on being an artist myself and being the son of a very famous artist.

  • @ipo79
    @ipo79 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A great, great movie producer. A lot of what he says here shows the true love he had for those films.

  • @sanseverything900
    @sanseverything900 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The Prequel and sequel trilogies would have benefited greatly with someone like Kurtz overseeing things.

  • @PhilMoskowitz
    @PhilMoskowitz ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Kurtz and Lucas made for a great team. Separate, not so great. But together they could have become among the greatest producer-director team in film history.

  • @alphabetaxenonzzzcat
    @alphabetaxenonzzzcat 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Gary seemed a very humble, hard working guy. Seemed to have a lot integrity for the film making process. It’s just a shame that he Lucas split, as I think as a team they brought out the best in one another - without that, their work was weaker(Lucas : Howard the Duck, The prequels ; Kurtz : Slipstream).

  • @nicholasdickens2801
    @nicholasdickens2801 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Rest in Peace Gary Kurtz. The true heart of Star Wars.

  • @meganhoward604
    @meganhoward604 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I wish all film producers were like Gary Kurtz.

  • @TheBrendon67
    @TheBrendon67 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Two thumbs enthusiastically up.

  • @kensmith7048
    @kensmith7048 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have to wonder what would happen if he were still involved in the production of the new Star Wars films.

  • @prodf
    @prodf 7 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    Gary Kurtz really was the brains behind Star Wars...

    • @RetrocadePodcast
      @RetrocadePodcast 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      And Marcia Lucas was the heart.

    • @fridaynightnicktoons6885
      @fridaynightnicktoons6885 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Paulinho troll harder kid

    • @bordertown
      @bordertown 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Paulinho - Agreed. Not only that but Kurtz was also the voice of reason and logic behind the scenes. He is why the first two films are the best in the series. If George Lucas totally had his way then those films would've ended up as bland and nonsensical as the prequel trilogy.

    • @rastarapha
      @rastarapha 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      bordertown nah
      You say some bullshit

    • @Replica_Films2000
      @Replica_Films2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      yes which is why he dident write the characters and create the world which is what the brains always do

  • @seanahmed9079
    @seanahmed9079 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I see his point, but.........Empire Strikes Back is a great exception!!! The new effects in sky city were on point!!

  • @TheGargantuanAppleHMPBTS
    @TheGargantuanAppleHMPBTS 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The thing is, none of this would be a problem if we could have both versions side by side. Fans like the choice. You can get 5 cuts of Blade Runner on DVD and Blu-ray, 99% of extended cuts include the theatrical version in equal picture and sound quality. So why not for Star Wars? Denying the choice is trying to change history.

    • @fridaynightnicktoons6885
      @fridaynightnicktoons6885 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lucas released it on DVD -___- feel stupid?

    • @stargazerspark4499
      @stargazerspark4499 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      he means the unmolested original versions, which we didn't get -_- feel ignorant?

    • @crissrudd4554
      @crissrudd4554 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Friday Night Nicktoons yes and they were sourced from outdated non-anamorphic Laserdisc masters! Doesn’t really matter now since even those DVDs are out of print now!

  • @gtproperformer
    @gtproperformer 7 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    As a 45 year old SWOT fan i couldn't agree more!

    • @Replica_Films2000
      @Replica_Films2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      how cliche. thanks for killing star wars old man it was doing just fine before you opened your mouth

  • @Jaysen8
    @Jaysen8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Gary Kurtz was so wise. His absence from ROTJ and prequels really should say something about how integral he was in the beginning.

  • @michaelkarimian7538
    @michaelkarimian7538 8 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    This interview was fun. Really love Gary's unique insight about film. The sighn of a good artist is knowing when your done. I could not agree with this quote more, at least when it comes to art. Painting over The Mona Lisa would just be a mistake nowadays if Da Vinchi painted over it after so many years. However while I have enormous respect for Kurtz and respect his opinion 100% I somewhat disagree with the statement that films should not be changed when on DVD. In terms of the Star Wars original trilogy I agree that the films should be restored to their originality or the changes should be at least optional. When it comes to things such as The Lord Of The Rings trilogy however those extra scenes added more depth to the film and expanded greatly on the film world of Tolkien. Thank you for this wonderful interview Kurtz. I really hope (I mean this in a very respectful way as Lucas is one of my all time heroes when it comes to fantasy) that when Lucas becomes one with the force that the original films can be restored to their original form and the prequal trilogy can hopefully be remade. :)

    • @SensuixShinobu7
      @SensuixShinobu7 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      non of that is true. if George was greedy and wanted to sell toys then why does all his actions go against such a thing? He only sold star wars for 4 billion (nothing next to what its worth) and then gave all that money AWAY to charity! BILIONS away! And that's ignoring the other times he donated MILLIONS on separate occasions.You've been brainwashed. Gary is the sell out. he's full of shit.

    • @conradojavier
      @conradojavier 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      will Lucas disowning Star Wars, what Disney SHOULD use are Rejected Gary Kurtz' Ideas.

    • @conradojavier
      @conradojavier 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bubo 25 & to be fare, this Nellith chick looks like an Awesome Female Lead than Leia.

    • @Sketch_Sesh
      @Sketch_Sesh 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes the prequels and all other movies outside the originals need to be rewritten and remade....they’re so horrid and a great injustice

  • @airtime23
    @airtime23 7 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

  • @simonnaylor
    @simonnaylor 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Legend!

  • @robertbeckman2054
    @robertbeckman2054 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The last 43 years (since I saw Empire in the theaters), I had no idea that Lucas had basically a twin director in the OT, Kurtz.

  • @zigguratjones6458
    @zigguratjones6458 6 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    The true legend behind Star Wars. He knew what it stood for and its role in cinema.

  • @gecko-nh6tx
    @gecko-nh6tx 7 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Gary Kurtz was and is Star Wars....

  • @blackjackthompson1017
    @blackjackthompson1017 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I grew up watching the Letterbox VHS tapes and when I got the 2004 dvds I couldn't believe how different the movies were especially ANH. So I bought the 2006 GOUT dvds for around $90 and the quality is a lot better than I expected. I upscaled the dvd and while it's not as good as Blu-Ray its just as good as DVD in my opinion.

  • @Pat9201
    @Pat9201 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    some of the enhancements were ok (adding a few storm troopers or a few more ships) but as lucas always does when there is nobody there to say no he took it way to far.

  • @ashdoginc
    @ashdoginc 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    From the day of its release, Star Wars has had changes applied to it. Early on it was mainly minor audio adjustments. So I have no problem with the various releases of the 'Special Edition'. But it made no sense to not allow the proper preservation of the releases previous to that point. Especially that it is a film that is highly regarded by film-maker, fans and the National Film Registry.

  • @ULYSSES-31
    @ULYSSES-31 6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Truth-teller

  • @abundy1104
    @abundy1104 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Pretty much what every Star Wars fan thought of the Special Editions. All good with additional shots with more X-Wings or fixing bits and pieces....

  • @Retsler54
    @Retsler54 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    0:47 and 2:19, I agree on that. The enhancements were not good or necessary but yes, from a marketing perspective 20 years later they were understandable.

  • @MediaBuster
    @MediaBuster 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    He was 100% correct.

  • @RetrocadePodcast
    @RetrocadePodcast 6 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    If Kurtz were producer of the prequels those movies would've turned out so much different; likely for the better.
    Kurtz was a voice of reason that challenged Lucas; while Rick McCallum was a yes man.

    • @KSRugby
      @KSRugby 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      absolutely, thats why lucas got rid of him after Empire, Kurtz had a very different vision for return of the jedi than the one that came out. It was clear after Empire went overtime and overbudget that Lucas wanted more control over the franchise and his prioritize for making a compelling story took second place over his priority to make money.

    • @KSRugby
      @KSRugby 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      look at the facts, instead of insulting me

    • @RetrocadePodcast
      @RetrocadePodcast 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Lucas and Kurtz weren't seeing eye to eye anymore, and Lucas was far more budget conscious because he was investing his own money into the movie. Kurtz was making sure Kirshner was getting the movie they way he wanted it to, and that's why it came out to be a great movie (TESB).

    • @KSRugby
      @KSRugby 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      CS 22 and yet The original star wars and Empire Strikes back were much better films than any rick mccallum produced. If you were striving for quality movie, or getting things done on schedule i'd take the first one every time.

    • @cinewillp6391
      @cinewillp6391 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Exactly.

  • @emanmark
    @emanmark 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Couldn't agree with him more! The Jabba scene ruins the pacing, as they are in a rush to get out of Mos Eisley and the exposition slows that rising action down, and is a repeat of the earlier scene with Guido and completely unnecessary. It's dramatically in the right spot the first time around. I like the enhancements for the final battle scene, that looks good. I wonder what his thoughts are on Jar Jar Binks?!

  • @manlystranger4973
    @manlystranger4973 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I agree with nearly all of Kurtz's comments, but what he does not take into account is Star Wars, unlike nearly every other film, has been rewatched dozens if not hundreds of times by a very large number of intense fans. This creates the ability for the film, when issued in a new version, to create a new emotional journey for this group as watching a film once is a specific experience, but watching it hundreds of times, the most recent watching is a vastly different experience than the first viewing.

  • @ThatGingerCuntFromTerminator2
    @ThatGingerCuntFromTerminator2 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    RIP Gary Kurtz

  • @glynmatthews6697
    @glynmatthews6697 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    They should have included the full scene where in the docking bay where Han- Jaba - greedio- boba fett etc all start shooting at the stormtroopers that come wading in - that would be f**king ace to see !

  • @Qwazin
    @Qwazin 7 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    GARY KURTZ: "YOU WERE THE CHOSE ONE! YOU WERE SAID TO DESTROY THE CORPORATIONS, NOT JOIN THEM. BRING BALANCE TO THE CINEMA, NOT LEAVE IT IN DARKNESS! YOU WERE MY BROTHER, GEORGE. I LOVED YOU."

    • @fridaynightnicktoons6885
      @fridaynightnicktoons6885 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Andreas Nordvall but Kurtz is the villain,George donates billions to charity

  • @KevyNova
    @KevyNova หลายเดือนก่อน

    George needed a producer like Kurtz who would straight up tell him which of his ideas were good or bad. The fact that he went with a total “Yes” man, Rick McCollum, for the prequels is why they weren’t quite as good.

  • @comicbookninja5268
    @comicbookninja5268 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Gary Kurtz is absolutely right about that Jabba scene.

  • @rgerber
    @rgerber 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    He really has to get back his epic beard!

    • @MeanMrMustard1
      @MeanMrMustard1 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Garden Gnome Gary.

    • @earthzero2375
      @earthzero2375 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MeanMrMustard1 INDEED HIS BEARD WAS EPIC

  • @ajsspacenerdschannel8321
    @ajsspacenerdschannel8321 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This man ist totally right.Disney - for respect - try to follow his line, but at the moment they stumbling arround. Disney should get him back for quality management

    • @raystantz2471
      @raystantz2471 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Allan Joel Stark *still Lucasfilm buddy

  • @justayoutuber1906
    @justayoutuber1906 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I agree 100%.

  • @ronsarcade1448
    @ronsarcade1448 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    The man who made Star Wars great. Look what happened when he left... it got diluted. Sure ROTJ has some great scenes but it doesn't hold together like the first two did. Shame he wasn't asked back on board when Lucas sold Star Wars. Now Kurtz is dead I don't think we'll ever see a truly great Star Wars film again.

    • @sandal_thong8631
      @sandal_thong8631 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lucas needed an equal to run ideas by and take their advice as he had in the first screening of Star Wars. He didn't have anyone for _The Phantom Menace_ except Ben Burtt who went from sound to editing. By the time he could influence the cut it was too late, even though he seemed to be the only guy who could say there was a problem.
      Sadly he didn't take out the line by Obi-Wan calling Jar Jar and Anakin "pathetic life forms." This told us not to like them, although the characters don't seem to like each other in the course of the film, Jar Jar giving Qui-Gon the raspberry, and no one seeming to care if the others are hurt or die, except Obi-Wan for Qui-Gon.

    • @manudiferro5284
      @manudiferro5284 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Return of the Jedi is certainly the weakest point of the original trilogy, however it is still an excellent film and keeps up very well with Ep 4 and 5

  • @sallybrown4947
    @sallybrown4947 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    American Graffiti, Star Wars, and Empire Strikes back. You know he knew what he was doing!

  • @nickrodriguez4294
    @nickrodriguez4294 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well said.... well said!

  • @observerdude9809
    @observerdude9809 ปีที่แล้ว

    To be fair, they could've improved the jabba scene by removing the inserted dialogue in the greedo scene, so that the information isn't repeated

  • @joelorozco
    @joelorozco 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    spot on. You listening George?...You F'd up.

  • @tasken_lander_redux4775
    @tasken_lander_redux4775 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fuck, this guy knew what he was talking about lol.

  • @RetrocadePodcast
    @RetrocadePodcast 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    What year was this?

    • @gordongecko1975
      @gordongecko1975  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Retrocade Podcast This interview is from 2010.

  • @IDF1987
    @IDF1987 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I have a feeling Gary Kurtz is a fan of Harmy's Depsecialized Editions

  • @BackyardPix
    @BackyardPix 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I even shudder when people put "A New Hope" at the end of Star Wars. The original film's called Star Wars, and that's fucking that.

    • @alcarbo8613
      @alcarbo8613 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      No it’s called Episode 4 A New Hope, and that’s fucking that

  • @rhymeandreasoning
    @rhymeandreasoning 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Why has THE ORIGINAL 'STAR WARS' not ever been released on dvd / blu ray ?

    • @gordongecko1975
      @gordongecko1975  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The whole case is rather complex but basically George Lucas considers the Theatrical Cuts as unfinished and inferior versions of the three OT movies. The versions he wants the people to watch are the Special Editions.
      The last official release of the Theatrical Cuts were the 2-Disc DVD Limited Editions from 2006. The Theatrical Cuts came combined with the 2004 Special Edition (on Disc 1) on a seperate 'Bonus Disc' (on Disc 2). Shockingly these 'Bonus Discs' of the Theatrical Cuts were sourced from a (at that time) 13 year old outdated non-anamorphic Laser Disc Master from 1993. As if Lucas wanted say (Attention: sarcasm incoming): "You want the Theatrical versions you grew up with? Here they are. Look how crude and old they look. You better watch my Special Editions... ". Lucas deliberately wanted the original versions to be presented in an inferior format so that they would not have to compete with the Special Editions.
      For more info on that whole situation, i recommend to read this article: savestarwars.com/gout.html

    • @rhymeandreasoning
      @rhymeandreasoning 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gordongecko1975 Are the early original vhs' of 1977 STAR WARS, the actual original movie that was in the theater, or was the vhs edition tweaked also?

    • @gordongecko1975
      @gordongecko1975  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rhymeandreasoning I think the only major addition was that 'Episode IV: A New Hope' title was added to the opening crawl along with minor audio mix and contrast adjustments for television screening reasons. But all in all, it was still the original version.

    • @rhymeandreasoning
      @rhymeandreasoning 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gordongecko1975 Whatabout the original vhs rental...BEFORE it was sold in the stores..I seen an actual rental copy for sale from when it was first put in the video stores to rent.

    • @gordongecko1975
      @gordongecko1975  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rhymeandreasoning This video should answer your question: th-cam.com/video/ExopA5iNiFw/w-d-xo.html

  • @antkowiak666
    @antkowiak666 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    There was no need to mess with perfection. If Disney was smart, they would release the theatrical cut of Star Wars on 5/25/27 nationwide. But I know that will not happen as George Lucas has said before "I'm sorry for those of you who fell in love with an incomplete film".

  • @KSRugby
    @KSRugby 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    totally agree with this guy. Have always thought the much of the special edition changes were completely unnecessary, didn't really add anything to the story (Except perhaps the scene where Luke reunites with Biggs Darklighter), and were really tools for George Lucas to practice with for the hugely inferior prequels

    • @timsmythfilmsandanimations
      @timsmythfilmsandanimations 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I disagree, that scene, now adding characters we have never seen before, breaks up the flow of the original scene, where Luke leaves Han and Chewie, talks with Leia, then arrives at his X-Wing for the mission. I find the original just works better with him saying goodbye to his friends, and the characters that we know. (That is if you are talking about the scene where they are gearing up for the battle, I have only seen those scenes when the film came out in 1997.)

    • @Replica_Films2000
      @Replica_Films2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      *Superior Prequels

    • @KSRugby
      @KSRugby 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Replica_Films2000 nope.
      Not saying you can't like them but as technical and objective pieces of filmmaking they were poorly written, poorly acted, and poorly made.

    • @Replica_Films2000
      @Replica_Films2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@KSRugby except their not and no one has ever proven it they just say it. what you mean to say is awkward at times and akward can be very very Intentional.

    • @KSRugby
      @KSRugby 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Replica_Films2000 no it's been proven many times over the years. But kid yourself that they're good films and don't listen to constructive criticism. Whatever floats your boat, pal.
      Newsflash: George Lucas is not god. He made mistakes. The criticisms of the films (not any personal criticisms, anyone who took their criticisms to personal levels can get fucked) were deserved and mostly correct.

  • @QuickQuackReviews
    @QuickQuackReviews 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A producer worried about story at the expense of money? Unheard of in Hollywood, much like George Lucas as a writer/director was when Star Wars came out.

  • @LungsOutJem
    @LungsOutJem 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well, "intrusive" is certainly a polite way of saying it.

  • @simonfarrell6585
    @simonfarrell6585 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    "annoying gimmicks!" couldn't have said it better myself! I only watch the original versions of the trilogy on dvd

    • @Replica_Films2000
      @Replica_Films2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      yep annoying gimmicks you never notice if you watch it for the first time.

  • @youtubesuresuckscock
    @youtubesuresuckscock 6 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Could you imagine trying to get The Last Jedi's shit script through this guy? Star Wars needed him.

  • @NightmareSWGOH
    @NightmareSWGOH 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Everything he said is accurate. George.... You fucked up!

  • @leedobson
    @leedobson 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bang on Mr. Kurtz, you need friends like him to keep you straight

  • @acrovader
    @acrovader 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Some of the cgi added wsn't that bad and actually helped a bit.

    • @matthewgaudet4064
      @matthewgaudet4064 ปีที่แล้ว

      Most of the new was recomposited film not cgi. I don't think the cgi has aged as well.

  • @davebooshty299
    @davebooshty299 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    22 secs in , He was right.

  • @jeanmarc0
    @jeanmarc0 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The Jabba and Han Solo scene is factually the only dispensable addition to the special editions, because it's a repeat of the Greedo scene.
    The rest of the changes enhance the movies, such as the more exotic Mos Eisley expansion, the Battle of Yavin, Cloud City, new Millennium Falcon scenes, new creatures to bring the universe to life and the end of Return of the Jedi, with the planets liberated from the Empire and John Williams' epic new music.

  • @MaryBrownIsTheBlairWitch
    @MaryBrownIsTheBlairWitch 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    'Lapti Nek' (83) is better than 'Jedi Rocks' (97) in RotJ, I think.

  • @e.l.norton
    @e.l.norton ปีที่แล้ว +1

    McCallum could have learned VOLUMES for Gary Kurtz.

  • @purefoldnz3070
    @purefoldnz3070 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Meanwhile yes man Rick McCallum is like "every frame is so dense...."

    • @purefoldnz3070
      @purefoldnz3070 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Voltar bahahahahaha goated.

    • @purefoldnz3070
      @purefoldnz3070 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Voltar no, they only hilarious thing is you calling the prequels the greatest of all time bahahahahahahah *tears. The greatest of all time ! bahahahahahahahahahahahahah

    • @purefoldnz3070
      @purefoldnz3070 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Voltar its not funny its god damn hilarious. They aren't good movies I'm afraid and were widely panned and ridiculed to the point that the Jar Jar actor almost threw himself off a bridge. You can enjoy them as cult movies but goated? GTFO. The prequels had great potential and an interesting premise however Lucas surrounded himself with greedy yes men and sycophant's which is a recipe for disaster. What movies are GOATED? Movies like the Godfather, 2001, Citizen Kane, Alien, Pulp Fiction, the original Star Wars movies which show up again and again on the top 100 movies list.

    • @purefoldnz3070
      @purefoldnz3070 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Voltar um yeah its actually Marcia Lucas that said that. Face palm indeed. If you are making a movie do you want to be surrounded by a bunch of bootlickers or do you want to be challenged and get some new ideas? You are a god damn moron, no offense lmao.

    • @purefoldnz3070
      @purefoldnz3070 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Voltar denial is a powerful drug.

  • @loyalcompanion2104
    @loyalcompanion2104 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    we feel you gary! Its a shame what lucas has become

    • @Replica_Films2000
      @Replica_Films2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Free? becouse thats what he became he became free off the fans bullshit.

  • @rgerber
    @rgerber 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wonder if they shot the actual Jabba scene as intended, if they had the courage of gaving Han Solo something to shoot at...
    well think of it. You actually see Greedo in the background during the Jabba scene (after he got shot). If Han Solo would take a good shot at him and continuing negotiation, as if nothing happened of course.
    And when the Special Edition came, it would've probably been altered to a whole shootout including lasers from every direction (completely digitally altered) and everybody missing.
    Whatever

  • @MegaKamandi
    @MegaKamandi 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    hes not wrong

  • @mws755
    @mws755 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Empire Strikes Back should not have been tampered with at all. Perfect exactly the way it was

  • @allluckyseven
    @allluckyseven 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Oh, Gary. Wait until you see Hayden Christensen as Ghost Anakin in Jedi...

    • @the_endgame
      @the_endgame 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Yes, Luke would be like "Who the FUCK is that standing next to Yoda and Obi?"

    • @user-xx6vy9ri8p
      @user-xx6vy9ri8p 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@the_endgame Even children who never saw the prequels understand it.

    • @the_endgame
      @the_endgame 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@user-xx6vy9ri8p Invoking qualitative judgments based on the perspectives of children is why you have bad taste in art.

    • @Halbi1987
      @Halbi1987 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      He saw this and he died, the 2004 DVD version gave him cancer.
      He died from a broken heart.

  • @SamanthaMunitz
    @SamanthaMunitz 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Agreed 100% of the Jabba the Hutt scene. TOTALLY UNNECESSARY.

  • @kb8367
    @kb8367 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I don't care if you like some of the changes that Lucas made, like the added shock wave effect to the death star explosion, the emperor's hologram (with Ian McDiarmid) or the Victory celebration or young Anakin force ghost. I don't care if you like those changes. But for me, I like none of the changes that Lucas made, and I refuse to watch those versions.

  • @Caitykorn
    @Caitykorn 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think it’s disrespectful to Richard Marquand ( ROTJ director) that George made possibly the worst changes to his film, and my fav of the franchise because Marquand died four years after ROTJ and 10 years before the special edition bs.

  • @matthewgaudet4064
    @matthewgaudet4064 ปีที่แล้ว

    George Lucas had a right to fix things like bad effects like the landspeeder shot. Matte lines. And cardboard backgrounds. Clean up the picture and create a new multi track digital mix.I have no problem with those. Story changes like Han shooting second i do have a problem with, or adding the Jabba the Hutt scene which gives the same information we get from Greedo.