Begin your STAR WARS DVD collection with STAR WARS: Episode 1 THE PHANTOM MENACE. Packed with over six hours of additional material, including exclusive documentaries and never-before-seen deleted scenes, this 2-disc set provides the perfect showcase for the incredible detail and breathtaking scope of George Lucas’s first episode in the mythic STAR WARS saga.”I have a bad feeling about this,” says the young Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) in Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace as he steps off a spaceship and into the most anticipated cinematic event… well, ever. He might as well be speaking for the legions of fans of the original episodes in the Star Wars saga who can’t help but secretly ask themselves: Sure, this is Star Wars, but is it my Star Wars? The original elevated moviegoers’ expectations so high that it would have been impossible for any subsequent film to meet them. And as with all the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace features inexplicable plot twists, a fistful of loose threads, and some cheek-chewing dialogue. Han Solo’s swagger is sorely missed, as is the pervading menace of heavy-breather Darth Vader. There is still way too much quasi-mystical mumbo jumbo, and some of what was fresh about Star Wars 22 years earlier feels formulaic. Yet there’s much to admire. The special effects are stupendous; three worlds are populated with a mélange of creatures, flora, and horizons rendered in absolute detail. The action and battle scenes are breathtaking in their complexity. And one particular sequence of the film–the adrenaline-infused pod race through the Tatooine desert–makes the chariot race in Ben-Hur look like a Sunday stroll through the park.
Among the host of new characters, there are a few familiar walk-ons. We witness the first meeting between R2-D2 and C-3PO, Jabba the Hutt looks younger and slimmer (but not young and slim), and Yoda is as crabby as ever. Natalie Portman’s stately Queen Amidala sports hairdos that make Princess Leia look dowdy and wields a mean laser. We never bond with Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and Obi-Wan’s day is yet to come. Jar Jar Binks, a cross between a Muppet, a frog, and a hippie, provides many of the movie’s lighter moments, while Sith Lord Darth Maul is a formidable force. Baby-faced Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) looks too young and innocent to command the powers of the Force or wield a lightsaber (much less transmute into the future Darth Vader), but his boyish exuberance wins over skeptics.
Near the end of the movie, Palpatine, the new leader of the Republic, may be speaking for fans eagerly awaiting Episode II when he pats young Anakin on the head and says, “We will watch your career with great interest.” Indeed! –Tod Nelson
Buy “Star Wars – Episode I, The Phantom Menace “ For Only $12.49
April 20, 2008
#1
I am astounded that anyone liked this film. Even 10 year olds should know better. Jar Jar Binks should be killed off soon, but not before Lucas himself. Answer me honestly, does anyone really like this film? I know, I know, we were all excited to have another chapter come out in our life times, and it could never have lived up to the hype, but this is more than a disappointmet. It is utter worthless garbage. A waste of money and time.
April 20, 2008
#2
I personally popped the DVD out of the player and threw the whole thing in the garbage. This was due to the part where they said the Anakin Skywalker was of virgin birth by his mother Slmi Skywalker (one of many virgin births that had occurred through recent history, according to the Obiwan). I can’t think of a greater slap in the face to a Christian than this, which mocks the birth of Christ Our Lord by the Holy Mother Mary.
Another thing I despised, was that the Jedi Knights (the good guys) condomed and approved of the practiced of slavery and indentured servants (both Anakin and his mother were slaves). What kind of message does that send to children who watch this? I have since boycotted all Star War products because of this. And I love science fiction.
I think this is a choice for those of the Christian faith: either stand with God (and boycott Star Wars products, films & books) or join Lucas (who has milked this thing for over 30 years) in his eternal fate. Your choice.
April 20, 2008
#3
Undoubtedly, this is the worst Star Wars movie of the four. It is pointless, silly and pretty much stupid. The plot is somewhat confusing and the characters speak English with such an accent, nobody understands them. Jar Jar was another bad idea. What moron at Lucasfilm’s thought of him? He was completely designed for kids yet many fans are kids AS WELL AS Adults. Jar Jar had absolutely no point in the movie. He could have easily been drafted out of it. This movie all together was a bust. The only reason it wasn’t a flop was because it carried the prestigious name STAR WARS. If George Lucas had brought this script to Fox Studios 22 years ago, they would have rejected him along with every other movie company in the world.
April 20, 2008
#4
George. Grow up. Sci-fi isn’t supposed to be embarrasing. This movie was supposed to live up to the hype. It was supposed to be a treat for Star Wars fans off ALL ages. It was supposed to be literaly the BEST movie of the decade. What we got instead was one of the worst movies of 1999. It’s a contender for the Annual Golden Raspberry Awards. “Independence Day” was FAR better! Please do better next time Mr Lucas. If you want inspiration to insure a masterpiece with the second film, please see “The Empire Strikes Back”. I forgive you. Just don’t let it happen again.:-)
April 20, 2008
#5
words cannot describe the atrocity george lucas has commited on mankind by making this movie
Down with the anti-christ! Down with George!