A great DVD experience...but where's the movie I loved as a kid??

Rating: Null/10 (26 September 2004)

I watched the just released DVD version of Return of the Jedi last night and I must say I enjoyed it. This is Star Wars after all, three of the most entertaining movies ever made.
Since about everyone over the age of 12 knows the plot of the saga, I'm not going to restate it here, what I will talk about is why I was disappointed with the DVD.
Let me say that I don't mind the special edition of "Jedi", the changes aren't extensive, save for the ending sequence and most of the alterations exist simply of some added visual effects or sharper appearances on FX elements like ships and lightsabers.
Sadly though, I do miss the ORIGINAL Return of the Jedi, the version I watched probably too many times as a kid. The DVD version is great, but it's just not the same. It's too bad the original theatre versions weren't included in the release. I know many a message board are dedicated to this debate right now so I won't go in to a long tirade.
I think the one thing that I dislike most about this version of "Jedi" and the special edition was the drastic change to the celebration song at the end. I much preferred the original song to the more syrupy tune in the new releases.
Well, at least I still have my VHS copy of this film...which likely WON'T find its way to my trash bin simply because this has now been released.
Take it for what it is...but it is ISN'T the original.