STAR WARS!

[Luddite]

When the film was originally released in 1977, it was simply referred to as 'Star Wars' (early drafts were 'The Star Wars').  George Lucas had intended to include 'Episode IV: A New Hope' in the opening crawl, but Twentieth Century Fox did not want Lucas to do so because they thought it would confuse audiences.  (Incidentally, this is why 'The Madness of King George III' was released as 'The Madness of King George' so as not to confuse the Americans).

After the commercial success of the original Star Wars, Lucas was able to release The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 with the full title of 'Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back' in the title crawl, although it was referred to only as 'The Empire Strikes Back' in the marketing.

Subsequently, the original Star Wars was re-released in 1981 with a original intended title 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope' in the title crawl.

'Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi', released in 1983 was originally titled, 'Revenge of the Jedi'.  This title was changed at the last minute, which is why it's still possible to find merchandise with the 'Revenge' part still on it.

The 'A New Hope' title appeared on all subsequent re-releases and versions from then on (though the original version was released on DVD in 2006, which shows the title crawl in its original Fox-mandated form).  All subsequent Star Wars films have followed this new naming structure, although 'Star Wars' often refers specifically to the 1977 film.

[clibinarium]

In fairness "Episode IV; A New Hope" would have confused audiences anywhere. I know "Episode V; The Empire Strikes Back" confused the hell out of me as a child; I gleefully concluded that there were three preceding movies that I had missed and could seek out.

(later in life I would wish I could go back to that pre-prequel state).

[Luddite]

(later in life I would wish I could go back to that pre-prequel state).

[Ithoriel]

[Raider4]

. . . . although 'Star Wars' often refers specifically to the 1977 film.

Hardly surprising, seeing as that is exactly what the film was called.

Cheers, Martyn
--

[Hertsblue]

I've never quite been able to fathom the general aversion to the "prequel" series. The films in it, with the benefit of more modern special effects, are slicker and better put together. The "plots" are no better or worse than the originals - I could never take any of them seriously as sci-fi. And the much-maligned Episode III does, at least, explain the back-story of the following three. 

[FierceKitty]

I've never quite been able to fathom the general aversion to the "prequel" series. The films in it, with the benefit of more modern special effects, are slicker and better put together. The "plots" are no better or worse than the originals - I could never take any of them seriously as sci-fi. And the much-maligned Episode III does, at least, explain the back-story of the following three.  

The implication that Darth Vader was once Wesley Crusher is, like, totally uncool, dude.

[Hertsblue]

No more so than Carrie Fisher as a Princess. 

[FierceKitty]

Ummm....you have a point, I must admit.

[clibinarium]

The original set of movies is great, but not perfect by any means (Ewoks; geuch). I don't hate the prequels like proper fan boys do, but I really don't like them. However I was only recently convinced that they were truly awful by the Mr. Plinkett reviews.
George is a master at creating worlds, but he's no scriptwriter, so I'd recommend anyone with a Star Wars interest watch them. They are long and in depth, but very incisive and hilarious. Be warned though, Mr Plinkett is a serial killer and the videos are definitely NSFW

http://redlettermedia.com/plinkett/star-wars/

Half in the Bag on the website is very entertaining too.

[Last Hussar]

My son has Aspergers.  So he makes you lot look like people who don't really take an interest in things...  Anyway because of his age he saw the originals first (he was 3 when I came out, so y the time he was old enough it made sense.

He thinks the prequel are brilliant.  Mind you he also thinks the Bad Guys won in episodes IV and VI, which is logical for an Aspie, if you watch the first 2 and a half, its obvious that the guys in the cool white armour are the good guys.  This is the boy who repainted his Lego Clones in historically correct colours.