This auction is for the very hard to find Technidisc “Made
In USA” version of the Star Wars Special Widescreen Edition 2 Laserdisc set featuring
the original theatrical version of the film before extensive changes were made
in special edition in 1997 and beyond.
The packaging indicates a 1992 release, but the laserdiscs are marked
1993. The discs are in very good condition and packaging is in good condition. Side 2 has a light 1/2 inch scratch which does not affect play and the cover has some small creases and marks.
The reason this set is so desirable is because the 1989 and
the 1992 “Manufactured in Japan” releases of this Special Widescreen Edition
all have an error where the aspect ratio changes as the film progresses causing
the vertical picture to shrink. It is
commonly referred to as “the incredible shrinking aspect ratio”. This error is present with those previously
mentioned releases because they used the Japanese Special Collection widescreen
version as source material and had to cover up the subtitles. This Technidisc version comes from a
completely different source and does not have this error! Additionally, the colors in the Technidisc
version are more vibrant than these previous releases. Also of importance is this release did not
utilize digital noise reduction which was too heavily used to create the 1993
Definitive Collection and 1995 ”Faces” releases as well as the “Original
Theatrical” bonus DVD which is sourced from the previously mentioned Definitive
Collection laserdisc set—all of these other versions have more muted colors and
new flaws created by overly heavy use of digital noise reduction where frames
annoyingly blend together like the “4 eyed” Stormtrooper in the Tatooine desert
scene when he bends down to pick up the droid part!
This Technidisc release is still the best officially
licensed way to view the original (pre 1997 Special Edition) version of the
first Star Wars movie.
Shipping is free in the continental USA (more for other
locations). Thanks for looking!