THX 1138 Blu Ray Review

[OMM0000]

Just to get this out of the way right now, here's the short version:  If you've already got the 2-disc DVD release of the "Special Edition", then you've already got this.  Needless to say I was somewhat very disappointed with Warner with this release.

That's not to say it isn't worth it, just to have an absolutely brilliant 1080p copy of THX 1138, even if it is the SE version.  The picture AND sound were amazing, as to be expected.  The detail brought out was a bit interesting.  I didn't remember the "white" walls in a lot of places being as grungy as they show up here.  I'll have to go back and watch the DVD again, to see if there were any new changes.  I don't believe there were, but in a couple of places I did raise an eyebrow going "I don't remember that, maybe, possibly..."

But there are no new extras on here as compared to the DVD, none.  Zero.  Not even an insert in the package.  Wow, really?

The most disappointing is that there is no inclusion of the original 1970 version on this disc.  I can't imagine why, except that maybe GL's hand was at work here.  Seems to me that if you're going to have to have an HD version of the original to START your restoration and subsequent modifications (and you know there is one) then why not include it here?

Hell, at the very least why not include even a crummy 480p version ripped from the old laserdisc?  Ala the much maligned Star Wars "originals" that came out.  I'd have taken that, and loved it.

Bottom line:  Unless you really really want THX in full 1080p, or you don't already have the DVD, then save your money and wait to see if a more complete edition surfaces.

[OMM0000]

I forgot to mention that the more I watch the "Director's Cut" of THX, the more I grow to dislike most of the changes. 

The additions which "expand" the environment to show larger, more "open" spaces detracts from the original claustrophobia that, for me, only enhances the message. 

I can live with the CGI monkeys and other odd creatures, a few reworked video displays, etc.  I dunno, it just seems wrong.  The car chase additions seem even more wrong each time, too.  "Oh look! Action!"  No!  And don't get me started on THX's little "machine" in his quarters! 

GL! Give us an original version! 

[IJT-7992]

Yeah, there's George 'I'm rich as a god, and I shall rewrite history' Lucas for you. I have no hope we'll ever get the original cut in 1080p.

I don't even mind the new special effects so much - I mind the way some scenes are re-edited. Like the "They're watching us now"/"No one can see us" scene, which cuts right into those random guys looking directly at a monitor with THX and LUH shagging on it! So, why weren't they just arrested on the spot? In the original, those random guys were just looking at THX as he entered a room... leading us (and THX) to worry, 'what do they know?'.

There are other re-edits that change the meaning of things, but I can't remember them right now.

I'm gonna buy this release for sure, 'cause I gotta have it on blu. But sometimes, sometimes I really hate ol' uncle George...

[SMH1982]

I forgot to mention that the more I watch the "Director's Cut" of THX, the more I grow to dislike most of the changes. 

I was in the same boat after the SE 2-disc release came out. Having it on Bluray really does confirm my distaste for it, and the disdain I have for Lucas.

I really want to start a petition,(if one hasn't already been done) protesting we get an HD version of the original cut.