Perfection in Film

Rating: 10/10 (17 March 2012)

It is difficult to imagine watching 'Star Wars' and not getting lost in its joyfully infectious spirit. It is one of those films that seems to have captured lightning in a bottle. The casting is perfect, the score is beautiful, the visuals stunningly imaginative and the storyline is wonderfully accessible. It is a movie that whisks you away for two hours and when it is over, any viewer must be a bit happier for having had the experience. It is an unabashedly FUN film, and that is sometimes a rare delight.
If possible, see the original (1977) version. Admittedly, the technical limitations of its era are evident, but the film is better paced and feels more polished it is original form than its subsequent, digitally enhanced release. The re-issue feels significantly different and to experience 'Star Wars' only through its recent upgrade is to sacrifice its 'perfection of the moment' in favour of 'digital trickery.' Admittedly, some of the 'eye candy' shots in the special edition are clever, but the film itself suffers for the alterations and feels less impressive.